Once Upon A Wartime at the IWM North

Once Upon A Wartime is a new exhibition for children and adults at the Imperial War Museum North (IWMN)  on Trafford Whard at the Quays.

The exhibition reveals the truth behind a series of children's novels about war.

One of the stories is War Horse by Michael Morpurgo, a story now adapted for the screen by Steven Spielberg. Props and objects from the movie set are on display along with items from Wigan which show the history of horses in World War I.

'These extraordinary works of fiction help us all to see war through a child's eyes and we are bringing them to life in this exhibition. 

The exhibition focuses on five novels; War Horse by Michael Morpurgo, Carrie's War by Nina Bawden, The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall, The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier and Little Soldier by Bernard Ashley.

The stories are set in their historical context from 1914 to the present day. Visitors will be able to explore these stories alongside the history of real conflicts through the eyes of fictional children.

Dramatised scenes by teenagers from Oldham Theatre Workshop have been created and will be played throughout the exhibition.

Jim Forrester, the Director of IWM North said about the exhibition: "These extraordinary works of fiction help us all to see war through a child's eyes and we are bringing them to life in this exhibition. We hope our hands on, creative activities will encourage and inspire an interest in reading, writing and storytelling for whole families."

The exhibition launches this weekend with a Storytelling Festival, incorporating the new National Storytelling Laureate Katrice Horsley.

It is free of charge and will be on 11 February–2 September at IWN North Special Exhibitions Gallery, The Quays at Trafford Warf Road.

Click here for more information on Once Upon A Wartime.