Fergus Mackain (1886-1924) - The soldier artist Fergus Mackain is particularly known today for his wartime postcards titled "Sketches of Tommy's Life." Full of humour and pathos they showed in some detail what an infantryman's life could be during the Great War. The 40 cards were published by G. Savigny of Paris and P. Gaultier of Boulogne as four series of ten cards, with each card numbered in its respective series. Superbly done in watercolours and printed on thin card, the series were subtitled ‘In Training’, ‘At the Base’, ’Up the line’ and ‘Out on rest’ and were aimed at British troops, who were urged to,
"Let them know about your life in France by sending from time to time cards of the series…There will come a time when you may be glad to have something of this sort to remind you of the bright or funny side of the war."
The Sketches of Tommy's Life cards were not often sent through the post by serving soldiers. The card on which they were printed was rather flimsy and in any case, they were extremely popular with soldiers who wanted to save them in good condition as mementos of their war service. Frequently, men would collect the cards when on rest and take them home when on leave.
The cards below are from all of the above series.
For more information. see fergusmackain.com.
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