Home   What's On   News   Article

Maidstone Museum exhibition: First World War paintings by Frank Hyde

As Kent gets ready to remember the fallen on Remembrance Day, explore the experiences of those depicted in two First World War paintings.

The pair by Frank Hyde, which both date from 1916 when the war was at its height, have been chosen for a new exhibition at Maidstone Museum called Coming Home: Conflict and Care in 1916.

Trones Wood is a scene from the Battle of the Somme. The painting is being displayed alongside items and images from the conflict, including uniform and military equipment used by soldiers such as the Lewis gun, which enabled the 7th Queen’s Own to hold Trones Wood.

The second painting, Arrival of a Convoy of Wounded Soldiers at Maidstone East tells a story of the home front.

The painting Trones Wood by Frank Hyde
The painting Trones Wood by Frank Hyde
Arrival of a Convoy of Wounded Soldiers at Maidstone East by Frank Hyde
Arrival of a Convoy of Wounded Soldiers at Maidstone East by Frank Hyde

Images and objects alongside it include prosthetic limbs, medical uniforms and equipment, and even a wedding dress, which all reveal the lives of the injured returning home and of the people who remained at home.

During the conflict 60,000 men served in Maidstone's local regiment - the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment).

The regiment was involved in many of the British Army’s campaigns of the 18th and 19th centuries as well as both world wars. It has it's own permanent exhibition at the museum which includes four Victoria Crosses.

Coming Home: Conflict and Care in 1916 runs until Saturday, January 7.

During the winter the museum is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, between 10am and 5pm.

For details go to museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More