Trench Art with a twist, but not all trench art was made in a trench. Generally, the term refers to art sculpture made from expended artillery shell casings. Nothing to do but stay down, cringe at the incoming and hammer copper. However this group of decorative items was made by a different group of soldiers. As noted on the reverse of the image, These fine examples were made by disabled soldiers as they recuperated. The material is taken from the remnants of old copper stills. Prohibition provided the material! World war one ended in 1918. Prohibition started in 1920. Must have been a bitter pill to have fought for your country only to return without having even a beer.
The Trench Art of the Great War website refers to pieces like those above as convalescent soldier art. The Wikipedia entry for Trench Art suggests "Outsider Art" as a related category.
Original undated, anonymous 8 x 10 press photograph circa 1920. No credits on photograph.
Collection Jim Linderman
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