An extraordinary two-day conference on the mothers who lost sons on the battlefields of the First World War
What does it mean to lose a child in wartime? This powerful experience of bereavement has largely been unexplored in the context of World War One. In order to shed light on a much-overlooked theme, a major collaborative conference will be held at the Institute of Historical Research and Senate House on 5 and 6 September that will bring historians and community groups together to explore maternal bereavement as a result of the war, an experience that was understood to be particularly painful and difficult to come to terms with.
This conference is organised by Big Ideas, the London Centre for Public History, and the Institute of Historical Research. It is part of Motherhood, Loss and the First World War, an ongoing community commemoration project led by Big Ideas and funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the National Lottery grant from the Big Lottery Fund. Free resources, project ideas and funding are available to involve community groups across the UK in the project. Contact mothers@big-ideas.org for more information.
6 September: Motherhood, Loss and the First World War – Evening Musical Performance
The conference culminates in an evocative evening of musical performance and readings exploring the experiences of mothers bereaved during the First World War. This performance acknowledges the universality of bereavement as the defining experience of the conflict, with a special focus on the impact on mothers – an overlooked aspect of grief from the period.
Through newly-composed pieces by acclaimed violinist and composer Clare Connors, and powerful readings bringing to life the voices of mothers and their sons and daughters serving in the military, this performance explores their relationships, and the experience of a mother losing their child.
The performance is free to attend. Click here to reserve your place.
For more information on the conference and to book your tickets click here.
Conference Prices:
Standard 2 days – £50
Standard 1 day – £30
Concession 2 days – £25
Concession 1 day – £15
£5 per day discount for Knowledge Quarter members with code HA2018