The Imperial War Museum North in Manchester presents the UK’s first major exhibition about British war correspondents, revealing the people behind the news – with many unique, historic items from household name reporters on display for the first time. On view in the Special Exhibitions Gallery, 28 May 2011 to 2 January 2012.
Being a war correspondent is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. It is also seen as one of the most exciting. This exhibition will look in-depth at some of the century’s most celebrated war correspondents, revealing dramatic true stories, the pressures they have faced and the changing nature of war reporting from 1914 to the present day.
Entry is free to this major, must-see exhibition, which displays many remarkable items for the first time. See the bullet that deflected into Kate Adie’s leg in Lebanon, a burqa worn by John Simpson to secretly enter Afghanistan in 2001, the typewriter Michael Nicholson used to write his reports from Vietnam and one of Martin Bell’s trademark white suits, which became familiar to viewers during his reports from the Bosnian War.
This exhibition and accompanying book feature giants of war reporting in recent times. Alongside Simpson, Adie, Nicholson and Bell are Rageh Omaar, Jeremy Bowen and the late Brian Hanrahan. The life and work of Second World War reporters Clare Hollingworth, Richard Dimbleby and Alan Moorehead are also explored, as well as inspirational pioneers of their trade from earlier conflicts like Philip Gibbs and Martha Gellhorn.
The exhibition will open at Imperial War Museum North to coincide with the opening of MediaCityUK, including the re-location of five BBC departments to The Quays from 2011 and the subsequent arrival of ITV Granada.
Jim Forrester, Imperial War Museum North Director, said: ‘The remarkable men and women featured in this exhibition have all brought momentous events and important stories into our lives and living rooms, often at considerable risk to themselves. Imperial War Museum North is proud to take an in-depth look at the personal stories behind gathering news under fire.’
To tie-in with the exhibition, War Correspondent, the book, is published in association with the Imperial War Museum. Published by Conway, it will be available from 23rd May (RRP £25.00).
Imperial War Museum North
The Quays
Trafford Wharf Road
Manchester M17 1TZ
Tel: 0161 836 4000
Fax: 0161 836 4090
Email: [email protected]
north.iwm.org.uk