The Artist Fortunino Matania's Work During the First World War

Our good friend Luci Gosling returns to the branch for the first time since 2023 ('All a Bit Heath Robinson') with a talk that surveys the body of work produced by Italian artist, Fortunino Matania, for The Sphere magazine, covering his techniques and working methods, together with anecdotes from his time spent at the Front as an intrepid 'special' artist. (The talk is based on Luci's book, 'Goodbye Old Man – Matania's vision of the First World War').

Lucinda Gosling studied History at the University of Liverpool, and has worked in the picture library industry since 1993, managing the Illustrated London News archive before moving to Mary Evans Picture Library in 2007, where much of her writing is inspired and illustrated by the library's rich archive. She is author of more than ten books and a regular contributor to magazines, writing on a variety of historical subjects and in particular the social and visual history of the First World War. Her books include 'Great War Britain: The First World War at Home', 'Knitting for Tommy', 'Goodbye, Old Man' and 'It's All a Bit Heath Robinson'.

Members and non-members of The Western Front Association are equally welcome. Any new visitors are guaranteed a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from a group of like-minded enthusiasts.

Main Image: 'The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at Rue du Bois' on the eve of the Battle of Aubers Ridge by Matania (The Sphere, 27 November 1916)