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Making art from tanks: AXA Art photography project

The Community Learning team at Imperial War Museum London was delighted with the success of a recent photography project. This was part of a wider AXA Art and Arts & Business New Partners Initiative. The project was made possible through a combination of IWM and AXA Art's expertise.

29 children from the local community aged between 3 and 18 took part in an afternoon workshop led by AXA Art's photographer, Jacqui Hurst.  They used the medium of photography to engage with the Museum's exhibits in a new way.

Jacqui worked with Liz Puddick – IWM London Community Learning Officer - to encourage the children’s understanding of the wartime experience.  The photography exercise meant that the young people looked incredibly closely at the Museum's collections.  Many children picked out the details of an item in their photos, including a propeller, dials, or rivets on a tank.  The project also gave older children the opportunity to appreciate the design elements of unusual, but functional items.

'It was great to see the children gain a greater understanding and appreciation of art using what would probably be considered "untraditional" subject matter,' said Liz Puddick.

AXA Art insures many of the world’s leading private collectors, dealers, museums and exhibitions.  They are passionate about art and professional about insurance.  They also support many initiatives that foster advances in the care of art works and art appreciation.  More photographic images relating to this project can be found on AXA Art’s website www.axa-art.co.uk

Peter, age 11

Sarah, age 11

Victoria, age 8

Mattie, age 4