People are being invited to help create a special new attraction at The Atkinson in Southport which will pay tribute to the heroes of RAF Bomber Command.
They will be contributing to the stunning new artwork by Suhail Shaikh, who is creating a hand-made section of a Lancaster bomber made from paper.
Suhail’s iconic Spitfire paper sculpture, the centre of The Atkinson’s previous Courage and Devotion exhibition, currency hangs proudly from the ceiling at the cultural hub.
People will be able to see Suhail’s latest artwork next month.
Over 12,000 Bomber Command aircraft were shot down during World War II, and 55,500 aircrew were killed, the highest attrition rate of any British unit.
Despite their incredible courage and terrible losses, those who served in RAF Bomber Command have never received the plaudits and recognition awarded to other services.
People are invited to take part in an event – Remembrance Poppies: Craft Workshop – which takes place at The Atkinson on Lord Street in Southport 2pm-4pm this Saturday (28th October 2023).
It is a free, drop-in event. Donations are welcome.
A spokesperson for The Atkinson said: “In November, The Atkinson will be hosting a new exhibition of work by artist Suhail Shaikh. Central to this is a handmade paper Lancaster Bomber, and we need your help to create it!
“The Lancaster bomber was a British heavy bomber aircraft used by the Royal Air Force during World War II. It was the most successful RAF heavy bomber of the war, and played a vital role in the Allied victory.
“Suhail’s paper Lancaster bomber will be positioned in the galleries so that it looks as if it has hundreds of poppies falling out of it. The poppy is a symbol of remembrance for those who have lost their lives in war. It is also a symbol of hope and resilience.
“This exhibition is a way to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served in the RAF, and to remember the fallen. It is also a way to celebrate the hope and resilience of the human spirit.
“The Atkinson will be running craft sessions to make the paper poppies for this exhibition. The first session is on Saturday 28 October, 2pm-4pm. If you want to dedicate a poppy to a service person who has sadly died then you are welcome to.”
Free event
All materials will be provided.
Drop in any time between 2pm-4pm.
First come first served. You may be expected to wait until a space at a craft table becomes available.
Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult.
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