October 7, 2008

Diary of a Wartime Artist

The work of first world war artist Len Smith, who made daring forays into no man's land to sketch German positions, is celebrated in a new book

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — A British soldier reading news from home, 1916 Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — Len Smith after his enrolment in September 1914 Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — The front cover of Diary of a Wartime Artist Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — Two pressed poppies on a page from the diary Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — A double page from the diary, showing photographs and drawings Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — The hospital in Wimereux, 1916 Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — A dressing station near the front, 1916 Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — Communication trenches, 1916 Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — A double page from the diary showing drawings and text Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — A drawing of Vimy Ridge showing German positions in 1916 Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — A British soldier raises a periscope over a trench wall Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — The portable beehive, a disguised observation hideout Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — A drawing of a spy tree Photograph: Forgottentitles

Diary of a Wartime Artist by Len Smith — The burnt remains of German book salvaged from a trench in 1916 Photograph: Forgottentitles

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