Unsigned First World War watercolours: can you help identify the artist?

22 August 2025

The Western Front Association has recently been contacted by an enquirer who has eight watercolours, painted by an unknown artist during service on the Western Front between 1916 and 1918.

It is extremely likely that there are further watercolours painted by the same artist as these appear to have been part of a sketchbook. The enquirer is seeking any information on the possible artist and wishes to reconnect these watercolours with any descendants that can be traced.

The eight watercolours, which are all approximately 8″ by 5″ and double sided, are depicted below. Whilst they are unsigned, most are dated and have a place indicated:

  • Mar-16 Steenvoorde
  • May-16 Bailleul
  • Aug-16 Somme Canal Corbie
  • Oct-16 Carnoy-Mametz
  • Dec-16 Pommera
  • May-17 Gouy-en-Artois
  • 1918 Arras
  • Jul-18 Not located

If any WFA member has any ideas on the Unit with which the artist might have been serving – or indeed, any idea on the identity of the unknown artist then, in the first instance, please contact Jill Stewart via this form.

Rue De Pop
Steenvoorde, March 1916
Bailleul
Bailleul, May 1916
Somme Canal
Somme Canal, Corbie, August 1916
Carnoy
Carnoy-Mametz, October 1916
Pommera
Pommera, December 1916
Gouy
Gouy-en-Artois, May 1917
Arras
Arras, 1918
Unknown July 1918
[Unknown], July 1918

Latest news

Bulford, England. Chalk Kiwi From Postcard, C.1919
10 April 2026

Bulford Kiwi restored with RAF Chinook support

Read more
1000001982 Web
31 March 2026

First World War burials and rededication ceremonies in April 2026

Read more
Gemini Generated Image 7W6j6f7w6j6f7w6j
30 March 2026

Somme 110 Conference: Bookings now open

Read more
2021.169.246 2014 09104 Loos
28 March 2026

Football and the First World War – new exhibition in Kansas City

Read more
Gemini Generated Image Owvhahowvhahowvh
22 March 2026

The Battle of Jutland: I Was There! Personal accounts from both sides

Read more
NMA 6 (1)
20 March 2026

Bilbrook Middle School’s visit to the National Memorial Arboretum

Read more