'The Bystander's' magazine 'Fragments from France' Volume 1 by Bruce Bairnsfather

c. 1916
Overview

'The Bystander's' magazine 'Fragments from France' Volume 1 by Bruce Bairnsfather. First in a series of eight compilations of cartoons.
The cover is grey with dark blue text, some of which is just outlines and other solid colour.
A cartoon is affixed to the front depicting two soldiers in a trench with explosions and gunfire going off behind them. One is saying to the other 'Well, if you knows of a better 'ole. go to it'. The cartoon is in mostly grey and light brown/sepia tones but has red highlights in the centre of the explosions.
The price is written in a circle on the lower right of the cover.
A portrait of Captain Bruce Bairnsfather appears in the foreword by the editor of the magazine.

Historical information

According to the National Army Museum 'Charles Bruce Bairnsfather (1888-1959) served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment on the Western Front during World War One (1914-1918). Before the war he had attempted to make his living as a commercial artist and he continued to sketch while at the Front.
The horror of trench warfare had a profound effect on the young infantry officer but it was the stoic good humour of his men that inspired most of the cartoons he produced. Encouraged by his work's popularity with officers and men alike, Bairnsfather submitted a cartoon entitled, 'Where Did That One Go To?', to the 'The Bystander' magazine and it was accepted and published. Compilations of his cartoons, notably the 'Fragments from France' series, followed. Bairnsfather's artwork was reproduced widely in various forms and became the subject of successful theatrical and film productions.
Invalided home, Bairnsfather became quite a celebrity but the British authorities seemed disinclined to promote the artist or his work. Bairnsfather was however in demand from Britain's allies and he went on to work with the French, Italian and United States armies.'

The first six of 'The Bystander' magazine compilations are featured in the collection, along with postcards, china souvenirs and a boxed cardboard/papier mache figurine of 'Old Bill'.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-119-RoW00362
Width
210 mm
Height or length
305 mm
Inscriptions and markings

On cover:

"THE BYSTANDER'S
FRAGMENTS
from FRANCE
By
Capt. Bruce Bairnsfather
1/- NET"

On printed illustration on cover:

"Well, if you knows of a better 'ole, Go to it"

Place made
United Kingdom
Year
Primary significance criteria
Artistic or aesthetic significance
Social or spiritual significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Related Objects

Related Objects

Recollections of War

Recollections of War

Organisation Details
View Collection
Item Feedback

'Fragments from France' Volume 1 by Bruce Bairnsfather
'Fragments from France' Volume 1 by Bruce Bairnsfather
Foreword to 'Fragments from France' Volume 1 by Bruce Bairnsfather
Foreword to 'Fragments from France' Volume 1 by Bruce Bairnsfather
 'Fragments from France' Volumes 1-6 by Bruce Bairnsfather
'Fragments from France' Volumes 1-6 by Bruce Bairnsfather
The Bruce Bairnsfather collection
The Bruce Bairnsfather collection

Scan this QR code to open this page on your phone ->