December Object of the Month Blog 2016
Peace at Christmas Time
It’s that time of year again, so of course the theme for this month’s object of the month blog is ‘Peace at Christmas time’, however you celebrate this festive season, we at The Peace Museum hope you have a joyous and peaceful time. One interesting thing about this time of year is the renewed desire it brings out in people to put old grievances aside, do good deeds and make peace. We currently have on display in one of the cabinets in our main gallery a shelf of items related to our theme of ‘Peace at Christmas time’. Including a handmade Christmas card by renowned peace activist and artist Maggie Glover; an invitation written to protestors to visit RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth; a Christmas bulletin written from the central board of conscientious objectors in 1942; a postcard with an illustration of Santa in his sleigh being chased by cruise missiles and a badge illustrated with a picture of Santa and the words “Father Christmas against cruise.”
The oldest of these items is a card from 1915; this is a white card with the image of Union Jack and red, white and blue ribbon, and an illustration of Dardanelles landing inside. It is interesting that this card includes images of a scene from the First World War inside and the patriotic tribute, with the red, white and blue. I think it shows how there was no escaping the war for people at this time; it encompassed everything for them, even Christmas. The message inside reads “Remembrance and All Good Wishes for Happiness and Prosperity for Christmas and the New Year.” The card is part of our Crowther collection and from a man named Will Crowther, who fought and died in the First World War.
The objects will be on display in the main gallery now until the New Year. The Museum is open, every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm until Friday 23rd December when the museum will be closed for Christmas until Wednesday 4th January.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! From The Peace Museum.
By Sarah Bartey.