IWM’s Contemporary Conflict team develop collections relating to the causes, course and consequences of conflicts since 2001. The team focuses on growing understanding for our audiences of current, recent and future conflict that is significant to the UK. We do this by recording stories about the many ways contemporary conflict impacts upon people’s lives. The aim is to build a collection that will be as relevant in 100 years’ time as it is today.

The team’s curators specialise across media types and include exhibits, art, photo, film and documents experts. We also work together with a range of external conflict experts to shape the themes and conflicts we prioritise. We collect objects and stories, produce content, and develop public programmes, including exhibitions, that help to broaden understanding of the impact of contemporary conflict.

The team’s remit covers all contemporary conflicts that are significant to the UK and the Commonwealth. Our current priority conflicts are:

  • War in Afghanistan
  • Iraq War
  • Counter ISIS operations
  • Libya
  • War in Yemen

If you served during, or have been impacted by, any of these conflicts then the team would love to hear from you. We would be interested in the special or everyday items you might have used or that represent the impact the experience has had on you. We are especially looking for:

  • Photographs
  • Videos
  • Letters and emails
  • Kit and equipment
  • Uniforms or clothing
  • Diaries and journals
  • Ephemera and mementoes

Any material collected will join IWM’s permanent collection and be used now and in the future for exhibitions and displays, museum publications, digital and online content and for research.

To get in touch, please visit our donations or contact us page.

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