During leisure hours at the front, skilled soldiers created trench art from the remnants of war such as discarded bullets and shell casings. This “art” was not part of the official war art program. Its production was a popular pastime and many examples have survived the war.
The Creation of Trench Art
Soldiers made trench art at the front and behind the lines. Displaced civilians and Chinese labourers often augmented meager earnings by crafting and selling trench art as well. Because using government property for personal use was illegal, many trench artists did not sign their work leaving a large body of anonymous art.
Trench Art Comes Home
The soldiers viewed trench art as mementoes of service, and brought many pieces back to Canada after the war, where they remained in family homes for decades.
The Canadian War Museum has over 100 examples of First World War artifacts, and dozens more in its collection from the Second World War and recent military operations.