Bystander cover, by Bairnsfather
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Bystander cover, by Bairnsfather
The cover of The Bystander, 22 December 1915, featuring an illustration by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather showing an office on leave
1915
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14185171
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bairnsfather Bruce Bystander Days Leave Taxi
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print depicts the cover of The Bystander, a British weekly magazine, published on December 22, 1915. The illustration was created by the renowned war artist, Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, during the first year of the Great War (WW1). The scene portrayed in this image is a poignant reminder of the brief respites soldiers were afforded from the horrors of the battlefield. Bairnsfather's illustration shows an office, adorned with Christmas decorations, where a soldier, dressed in uniform, sits comfortably in an armchair, engrossed in a newspaper. A taxi cab waits outside, its driver patiently smoking a pipe, signifying the soldier's impending return to duty. The title of the magazine, "The Bystander," is aptly reflected in the soldier's role as an observer of civilian life during his brief leave. The First World War, which began in 1914, brought about significant changes in the lives of soldiers and civilians alike. The Christmas season of 1915 was a time of hope and anticipation, as families longed for their loved ones to return home for the holidays. This cover artfully captures the bittersweet nature of these brief respites, as soldiers were reminded of the realities of war that awaited them upon their return. Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, a veteran of the war himself, was known for his satirical and humorous illustrations that provided a unique perspective on the daily life and experiences of soldiers during WWI. His work, which often appeared in The Bystander, served as a source of morale-boosting entertainment for the troops and civilians alike, offering a glimpse into the human side of the war.
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