Evelyn Dunbar Assembly

Art is a powerful tool in time of crisis and great social change. This assembly examines the role that art has played during times of profound national crisis, both in relation to the Second World War and during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

In particular, this assembly looks at the work of Evelyn Dunbar, the only full time female war artist employed by the War Artists Advisory Committee to document the Second World War. It explores how the art of Evelyn Dunbar was instrumental in shaping public consciousness during the War, and influencing the social changes brought about as a result of it.

Students are invited to consider the ‘Corona art’ that can be seen across windows and billboards during this time of great national crisis, and to interrogate what the purpose of this art is. Students are encouraged to consider what changes to society they would like to see as the nation comes out of lockdown, and how art could be used to help bring about their vision of a brighter future.