Why Military History Inspires My Art
Laurence Kirwan's interest in historical military headwear and insignia is deeply connected to his family's experiences. This personal account explains how researching relatives who served during the two World Wars helped shape the subjects and details of his artwork.
I paint military images for their aesthetic appeal as well as to honor the military service of my family. When I began documenting the family history and their service in World Wars I and II, I became fascinated by the badges and uniforms and then, one thing lead to another..
I am the grandson of a penniless nineteen year-old Jewish immigrant named Joseph Cohen who left Poland when it was part of the Russian Pale. Joseph travelled with his parents, Samuel and Gette, his two brothers, Irving and Isaac and their sister Miriam, settling in Liverpool, in 1904. His four sons went on to serve in WW2; in the Royal Army Medical Corps, the Royal Air Force and the Civil Defence.
Maurice (Morry) Kirwan (my father), was the youngest son of Joseph Cohen. He changed his name to Kirwan at the age of 21. He graduated from the University of Liverpool Medical School in 1945 and he then served with The King's Liverpool Regiment as part of the Royal Army Medical Corps or RAMC. He attained the rank of Captain. He was discharged from the Army in 1947. His older brother Harry, had graduated as a Doctor of Law from the University of Liverpool in 1937. He served as an Ordinary Airman in the Royal Air Force. Another brother, Matty, also served in the Air Force, again as an Ordinary Airman. The oldest brother Benny, was too old for active service but he volunteered with the Air Raid Patrol (ARP), later the Civil Defence (CD). After the War, Morry went into General Practice and later he trained in Medical Jurisprudence and eventually became the Chief Police Surgeon of the Merseyside Police Force. He held that post for thirty years, until his retirement in 1987.
My interest in Policemen and "Bobby" uniforms dates from my childhood when my Dad took me on "calls" to the Police Station. The Bobbies would give me cups of tea, biscuits and crayons and paper, whilst my dad examined criminals and their victims.
Above Left: Harry Kirwan in Air Force Blue. Above Right: Morry Kirwan, my Dad, in his Number 2 Dress Uniform - Army Khaki.
Above: Morry at his wedding to Bee with his military honor guard of fellow officers from the King's Regiment, all dressed in their No 2 Dress Uniforms, July 1947.
A brother-in-law of 1st cousin 1x removed, Harold, was Killed in Action on 21st December, 1943, fighting with the Lancashire Fusiliers which was attached to the Royal Tank Regiment. He was 32 years old. Harold is buried in the military cemetery at Torino di Sangro, Provincia di Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy.
Above: The Garrison Side Cap of the Lancashire Fusiliers.
Above: Morry Kirwan at his retirement as the Chief Police Surgeon of the Merseyside Police Force. 21st August, 1987. This was a "Mug Shot" taken by his Policeman pals, at the Main Bridewell Police Station, in Cheapside, Liverpool.
Above: Morry in gray suit and tie with the Main Bridewell Coat of Arms, with his constant companion, his pipe. His Diploma of Medical Jurisprudence is on the wall above and behind him. The setting is his office at the Main Bridewell Police Station.
Postscript. For the avoidance of all doubt my interest in, and my collection of military memorabilia from WW2, focuses on the "Allied" war effort and not does not images of German or Japanese militaria.
For more about the artist's journey, read Why I Paint and About Laurence.
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