MEDIA ALERT
Love and War – an arrow through Cupid’s heart
Looking for stories of romance and passion with a difference this Valentine’s Day?
The Australian War Memorial is now showing a special exhibition that explores the
relationships forged during times of war, and the emotions felt by couples as a result of
separation, loss and reunion.
Of Love and War details the excitement of blossoming romance, passionate affairs and
whirlwind weddings that have taken place since the First World War, and continue
today.
It tells of sweethearts and lovers separated by war, the loneliness and trauma that could
tear some apart, and the anguish of those who had lost a partner. Finally, there are the
stories of the survivors and their new beginnings when peace returned: the joy of
reunion, the challenges of relationships built on wartime experiences, and the new
discoveries by war brides resettling in foreign lands.
The exhibition features mementoes of lovers such as letters, gifts of jewellery, and
photographs of weddings, farewells and reunions. There are wedding dresses worn by
war brides; posters of pin-up girls that had been stuck on tents or in mess halls to stem
the loneliness of war; and works of art by Penleigh Boyd and Peter Churcher that draw
on love and war as a theme.
Book a time to speak to exhibition curator Rebecca Britt by emailing
media@awm.gov.au or call numbers listed below.
For a detailed backgrounder with more information about the themes and stories
within Of Love and War, visit the media website at:
Login: media Password: images@AWM2009 (case sensitive)
What:
Of Love and War exhibition – interview the curator
When:
Interviews available by arrangement until COB
Friday 12 February 2010
Further information:
Leigh Harris
(02) 6243 4575
0409 600 038
media@awm.gov.au
Emma Campbell (02) 6263 6627
media@awm.gov.au
10 February 2010
NEWS 
