Monday 19th January 2026 - Richard Kelleher
Killing Time: Trench Art of the First World War
Abstract: Killing Time: Trench Art of the First World War
'This talk examines objects made by soldiers, civilians and prisoners of war during and in the aftermath of World War I. Shell cases, bullets, coins, parts of weapons and uniforms, and a whole host of other materials, were converted into gifts, souvenirs, and other objects that speak to the experiences of their makers. This talk introduces the concept of trench art and previews the upcoming 'War Craft' exhibition to be shown at the Fitzwilliam Museum (24 February-23 August 2026).
Bio:
Dr Richard Kelleher is Senior Curator of Medieval and Modern Money at the Fitzwilliam Museum. He has published widely on medieval and early modern coinage, including his book 'A History of Medieval Coinage in England' (winner of the Royal Numismatic Society's Lhotka Prize). His exhibitions include the major 2022 show 'Defaced: Money, Coinage, Protest', and 'Making a Nation: Money, Image and Power in Tudor and Stuart England' (2019).
Killing Time: Trench Art of the First World War
Abstract: Killing Time: Trench Art of the First World War
'This talk examines objects made by soldiers, civilians and prisoners of war during and in the aftermath of World War I. Shell cases, bullets, coins, parts of weapons and uniforms, and a whole host of other materials, were converted into gifts, souvenirs, and other objects that speak to the experiences of their makers. This talk introduces the concept of trench art and previews the upcoming 'War Craft' exhibition to be shown at the Fitzwilliam Museum (24 February-23 August 2026).
Bio:
Dr Richard Kelleher is Senior Curator of Medieval and Modern Money at the Fitzwilliam Museum. He has published widely on medieval and early modern coinage, including his book 'A History of Medieval Coinage in England' (winner of the Royal Numismatic Society's Lhotka Prize). His exhibitions include the major 2022 show 'Defaced: Money, Coinage, Protest', and 'Making a Nation: Money, Image and Power in Tudor and Stuart England' (2019).