Artists have played a central part in IWM’s hundred year history, and have a powerful role to play in conversations around conflict. Their unique way of communicating helps challenge and deepen our understanding, and illuminates issues that can be difficult to talk about. The material, sensory experience and impact of war continue to be compelling subjects for all sorts of artists.
IWM worked with six Royal Academicians to reveal how the IWM collections influence and impact their work. Looking at diverse objects from aircraft to sound trumpets, and themes such as imprisonment, surveillance, terrorism and the nuclear threat of the 1960s, the resultant films demonstrate the breadth and vitality of the collection and the wide-ranging fascination it holds for artists working today.
Parallel Lives: Richard Deacon
Parallel Lives: Richard Deacon

Parallel Lives: Jane and Louise Wilson
Parallel Lives: Jane and Louise Wilson

Parallel Lives: Conrad Shawcross
Parallel Lives: Conrad Shawcross

Parallel Lives: Tim Shaw
Parallel Lives: Tim Shaw

Parallel Lives: Rebecca Salter
Parallel Lives: Rebecca Salter

IWM and the Royal Academy have had a long association. For the first three years of its life, IWM was scattered in offices and stores across London, and relied on temporary exhibition venues, including the Royal Academy, to display its collections. Many artists appointed to officially record the World Wars went on gain Royal Academician status, due in part to their significant contributions to our cultural memory of conflict.
This project, with Art Fund support, forms part of RA250 UK: Exhibitions and events around the UK to celebrate 250 years of the Royal Academy of Arts.

This project, with Art Fund support, forms part of RA250 UK: Exhibitions and events around the UK to celebrate 250 years of the Royal Academy of Arts. roy.ac/RA250UK