Lucy explains: "On 14th September, I woke up thinking of Tonga and the islands in the Pacific and the part they played in the first conflict that affected the entire globe. So I had to look up their involvement in WW1. I mentioned this on Facebook and Sonia sent me a photograph of one of her beautiful works of art."
The work of art in question is a wall hanging (see photo) showing the horrific journey of the islanders from Tonga to the western front via Egypt. Sonia also included the poem "Despise not the day of small things" written by E. Mary Cruttwell, which was featured in 'The Fiery Cross' WW1 Poetry Anthology, edited by Mabel C. Edwards and Mary Booth and published in 1915 by .
Sonia says : "I was so moved to indignation I did this wall hanging showing the islanders' horrific journey to the western front via Egypt. I also included the poem by Mary Cruttwell.
The yellow represents Egypt see pyramids. The central section is the Western Front. The photo shows the Nuiens on trench digging, then the top is the white cliffs of Dover and Hornchurch " Horns from coat of arms "where they were sent to recover or die. The photo of a grave Card in the left hand corner is "A long way to Tipperary" as sung in Maori."
With many thanks to Sonia, who is a Textile Artist and Storyteller who lives in Scotland, where she is well known for her unusual interpretations of myths and legends, folklore and traditions. She designs and makes wall hangings incorporating fabric, weaving and objets trouvés.
To find out more about Sonia's wonderful work, please see http://www.spanglefish.com/abhrasstudio/
To find out more about Sonia's wonderful work, please see http://www.spanglefish.com/abhrasstudio/
