Mural Study (squared up) of the Camouflage Workshop, Ministry of Home Security Camouflage Establishment (VII) by Anne Newland, graphite and watercolour on paper

During the Second World War mural painter Anne Newland worked for the Ministry of Home Security Camouflage Establishment in the Midlands. Its aim was to conceal major British buildings from enemy sight, preventing their destruction from air raids.

A military bulletin explained, ‘an old skating rink in Leamington is now filled with artists with hair of various lengths, painting camouflage schemes onto models of the most important factories engaged in our war production’. Newland showed the War Artists’ Advisory Committee drawings she made of the busy camouflage workshop and hoped to develop some squared-up designs into a mural scheme. However, this was rejected. Copyright: the artist's estate / RAF Museum.