Style for Soldiers: Art in the Aftermath
Barker's Pool, Sheffield
In support of the Invictus UK Trials Sheffield 2019, Art in the Aftermath creates an exhibition like no other.
Creative work has been scientifically proven to help re route the neurological pathways of the brain and the veterans, with financial support from the charity STYLE FOR SOLDIERS, have found peace and purpose over the year and the aim now is to launch economically viable careers for them doing what they love and supports them psychologically.
This July will see an exhibition of powerful images of visits to Headley Court Military Hospital, as well as photographic portraits of injured soldiers dressed immaculately in a photoshoot by top fashion photographers Ben Weller and Boo George. The exhibition will also be showing several Veterans short films including Former Royal Engineer and triple amputee Matt Weston's 'For Love of Words' which features Style for Soldiers Ambassador Charles Dance.
Of the six exhibiting artists, all military personnel using art in their recovery journey, two are from the local area and all artists will be in residence throughout the exhibition.
From 1pm to 2pm each day from 22nd to 26th July exhibiting poets Karl Tearney and Stewart Hill will perform their poetry, exhibiting artists will talk about their work with Q&A's from the audience and servicemen authors will read from their books including Harry Parker and Karl Tearney. Stewart Hill will also deliver his 30 minute 'There but Not There' performance of his experiences in Afghanistan.
About Style for Soldiers
Style for Soldiers was founded 10 years ago by menswear designer Emma Willis MBE in response to the severe casualties returning from Afghanistan in the height of the violent conflict. Struck by the challenge these young men and women would now face post medical discharge from the military, having suffered life changing physical and emotional injuries, Emma started visiting Headley Court Military hospital every two months for 8 years to make complimentary clothing to help with self esteem and confidence. The charity also provides Bespoke Regimental Walking sticks which have been sponsored by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. She has built a database of over 750 injured service personnel who the charity continues to support with clothing for interviews, new jobs and important occasions, hosting the largest reunion parties held in the country, attended by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in 2016, including a family day at Woburn Safari Park donated each year by The Duke of Bedford.Ambassadors of the charity include Charles Dance, David Gandy and Telegraph Fashion Director Lisa Armstrong.
Through regular contact with the rehabilitating servicemen and women Emma has met several who have turned instinctively to art and poetry to help with the psychological healing process, resulting in last November’s well attended ‘Art in theAftermath’ exhibition at La Galleria, London, showcasing art, poetry and film created by former servicemen suffering from PTSD or brain injury predominantly incurred in Afghanistan, as well as the paintings and drawings of Harry Parker who was physically injured by a Taliban IED explosion. The charity has now awarded seven arts sponsorships and each have resulted in the start of successful careers. The Sheffield Show, as part of the Invictus Trials, will continue this momentum and the charity is extremely grateful to the City’s support.
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Find out more: styleforsoldiers.com
From 22 July 2019 to 1 August 2019