Combat Paper Project

The Imperial War Museum had a papermaking event on Sunday in conjunction with the "Fabric of War" exhibition at the Courtauld Institute. "Fabric of War is showing until 23 June and then tours to Brighton (4 July to 16 August) and Birnam Institute, Scotland in November. It records personal and collective histories of conflict, using Combat Paper Project's works on paper made from veterans' uniforms.

These are bits of uniforms that couldn't be made into paper -The uniforms are "cooked and beaten", shredded and pulped. Some are 100% synthetic and need some cotton added for papermaking, and some of that is derived from shredded banknotes supplied by the US Treasury (a nice touch). Some of the paper incorporates larger bits of the shredded uniform -

And here's the Combat Paper Project's portable typewriter (just like the one I typed on in the early 70s -- the laptop of its day!) -

The Combat Paper Project "uses art as a means to help veterals reconcile their personal experiences" - the transformative experience of papermaking out of uniforms worn in service is cathartic, and also "broadens the traditional narrative surrounding service, honor and the military culture". Based in Vermont, the group tours the US holding papermaking workshops that bring together veterans and members of the public. You can see examples of the artwork here.

It's been thought-provoking to come across this project -- after seeing the work of war artists at the museum. The UK set up the scheme for war artists in the first world war, and still has them - in Iraq, for example.