Through stunning life-size sets, intricate scale
models and interactive exhibits, families are invited to enter the imaginary
worlds of five classic war stories: War Horse by Michael Morpurgo, Carrie’s War by Nina Bawden, The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier, The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall and Little Soldier by Bernard Ashley.
Pull up a chair in Hepzibah's kitchen as the
evacuees would have done in Carrie's War,
discover the schoolboys' secret fortress from The Machine Gunners and listen to the footsteps above the cellar
where the Balicki children find shelter in The
Silver Sword. By immersing visitors in the stories,
Once Upon A Wartime aims to illuminate the experience of war
through a child's eyes. As well as the exhibition's five central books, adults
and children will fall in love with favourites including Goodnight Mister Tom, Refugee Boy and When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit.
The exhibition explores the themes of loyalty,
separation, excitement, survival and identity throughout the books then goes
behind the scenes of each lead story, explaining the authors' inspiration
through interesting and sometimes unseen items including manuscripts, early
sketches, interviews and photographs.
Once Upon A Wartime also offers all-important historical context through expert interpretation and genuine examples of relevant objects including evacuee labels and letters, aircraft recognition cards and a tail fin from a German incendiary bomb.
The exhibition runs until 30 October, 2011.
Admission: adults £5.95, children £3.95, family ticket from £12.50.