PRESS RELEASE:
MARKING THE CENTENARY OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR
ILLUSTRATIONS BY ALBANY WISEMAN
AS FEATURED IN TOMMY ATKINS IN THE GREAT WAR
A BOOK BY ROBIN OLLINGTON
WITH SCULPTURE AND DRAWINGS BY JAMES BUTLER RA
AND MILITARY CARTOONS BY ROBIN OLLINGTON
4-17 JUNE 2014
Private View Tuesday 3rd June 6-8pm
Albany Wiseman, illustration from Tommy Atkins, watercolour, 23 x 35cm (image size)
‘Tommy Atkins In the Great War’ was published in 2006, a book devised by Robin
Olllington with illustrations by Albany Wiseman. This story outlines the tragic events of the
war, but maintains a lightness which makes the story accessible and suitable for young
children. The ultimate message from the story of this solider Tommy Atkins, is one of
remembrance of those who died in the war. 2014 is a time for great reflection on the First
World War, this year being the Centenary of the war’s beginning. The original watercolour
illustrations from the book are showcased in this exhibition along with sculpture and
drawings by James Butler RA and military cartoons by Robin Ollington.
Albany Wiseman studied at St. Albans College of Art and has worked as a professional artist since
1952. His career has covered many aspects of art, from book illustration, poster design, limited
edition lithographs, watercolour and oil painting. He has wide experience in teaching, both as a
lecturer in art colleges and as an instructor on numerous painting courses in France, Portugal, Spain
and the UK. He has exhibited widely - at one man and mixed shows in Britain and abroad - and also
from his studio in London. Many of his prints have been produced to help fund-raising projects for
schools, hospitals, universities and the Prince of Wales Business Trust. He has had various art books
published along with a number of children’s books.
Robin Ollington began his career teaching graphic and exhibition design. He produced advertising
and design work for a wide range of clients including the Daily Telegraph, Spectator, & City of
Rochester, Kent and postage stamps design for Guernsey, Gibraltar & Poland. Exhibition and
museum design has included the Beatrix Potter exhibition at Tate Britain, National Trust Great
Storm Appeal and various others at the V&A & RIBA Drawings Collections for SAVE Britain’s
Heritage. Since retirement, he has worked on various book projects and is currently involved with
several military based charities including The Royal Hospital, Not Forgotten Association and Poppy
Factory Gardening Leave. Robin Ollington’s cartoons shown here are the result of observation
during involvement with some of these organisations and have appeared in various publications.
Over the course of his career, James Butler RA has produced several large monumental figurative
sculptures to commemorate the war, including the ‘Rainbow Division Memorial’, which is at the site
of the Battle of the Croix Rouge Farm in Fère-en-Tardenois, France. His ‘Memorial to the Fleet Air
Arm’, is situated at Embankment Gardens in London and the ‘Memorial to the Green Howards’ are
amongst some of his most moving war memorials. A member of the Royal Academy since 1964, he
is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors and a Member of the Royal West of England
Academy. His work can be seen in locations across London and in other UK cities and other
countries such as Kenya, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, France, Singapore, Madeira and the USA. His smaller
works feature in many private collections.
A donation will be given from this exhibition to The Not Forgotten Association.
The Not Forgotten Association, ‘Providing entertainment and recreation for the serving wounded and the
ex-service community with disabilities’.
Tommy Atkins in The Great War, devised by Robin Ollington, illustrated by Albany Wiseman,
developed and designed by David Edgell and Duncan Youel. Published by Tommy Atkins productions
Ltd, 2006. Available for sale at the exhibition for £9.99
For more information please contact Natalie@curwengallery.com or call 0207 323 4700