Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Exhibition: The Lost Files at Bruce Castle Museum
Artist Al Johnson’s new sculpture The Lost Files is an installation that explores the experience of the conscientious objectors of World War One.
There were 350 COs from Haringey who - for moral, religious or political reasons - refused to participate in the War. This work offers a glimpse into how it might have felt, at great personal risk, to stand against the conventions of society. It is a homage to those brave and principled men and women.
The Lost Files suggests an office that has been subject to desecration. Twelve white wooden containers that could be the drawers from lost filing cabinets, are scattered, piled or propped around the space, suggesting abandonment and disrespect. Each box considers an aspect of war resistance, utilising a variety of media: sculpture; found objects; sound; archive material and photographs.
About the artist: Al Johnson is a politically-engaged sculptor; her work responds to recent history and the interplay between politics, power and the collective memory. Her sculpture has been widely exhibited, and is held in both public and private collections. For more of the artist's work, see: Al Johnson Sculptor
This exhibition is part of the project 'Conscientious Objection Remembered - the Hidden History of Haringey... by the Haringey First World War Peace Forum.
The group researches the lives of conscientious objectors and their supporters in Hornsey, Tottenham and Wood Green, now the London borough of Haringey.
The project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, as part of the ‘First World War Then and Now’ programme.
Location: East Wing Gallery
Until 23 September 2018
Tags for Forum Posts: conscientious objectors
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Justin Guest on
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Liz, I have to say I am surprised there were 350 COs from Haringey alone. Makes me wonder how many there were nationally...
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Permalink Reply by Liz on
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There were 16,000 nationally but the reason we can accurately pinpoint who local COs were was because the Middlesex tribunal case notes were not destroyed due to the sensitive nature of the material but, along with a few from Central and a complete set from Scotland, were archived. More here www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/conscription-appeals/
Some COs of Hornsey and Tottenham as Haringey was then wrote about their experiences and we know they were treated very harshly and their families were ostracised.
Not all COs were absolutists, however, and some went to tribunal to be excused on grounds of being sole carers for disabled or elderly family members or on the grounds of ill health. What we tend to focus on today are those who completely refused to join the war effort on religious, or political grounds. Many of then suffered horribly and some died in prison.
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