The Women’s Land Army: A Portrait

Using both words and images author Gill Clarke tracks the genesis of the Women’s Land Army in the First World War through to its re-formation in the Second World War and final disbandment in 1950. This is the first study to make extensive use of paintings by distinguished and lesser-known artists, together with recruitment posters, cartoons and photographs from both World Wars to portray the life and work of the Women’s Land Army.

Theirs is something of a forgotten history. Yet, the work these women did on the land often in terrible conditions was vital to the success of the war effort. They played a crucial part in increasing levels of productivity from the land in both World Wars. Drawing on published autobiographies and recent interviews by the author with Land Girls in the Second World War this book tells their story and those of the artists and illustrators who recorded their heroic work.

Featured artists include: Cecil Aldin, Edmund Dulac, Randolph Scwabe, James Bateman, Evelyn Dunbar, Thomas Hennell, Nora Lavrin, Mona Moore, Laura Knight, Ethel Gabain, Fougasse, Clive Upton.