'Basra Palace gates,' April 2003

Coloured acrylic ink with pen and ink, signed middle right 'M. Cook', by Matthew Cook, 'The Times' War Artist, 2003.

Interested in taking a closer look at Saddam Hussein's former palace, an area out of bounds under the old Iraqi regime, these inquisitive civilians pay little attention to a Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The two women are wearing traditional black abaya dresses.

The lavishly-decorated palace was thoroughly looted before the British Army moved in. It later became the headquarters of 7th Armoured Brigade. Matthew Cook slept on the marble floor of one of the palace buildings while working for 'The Times' newspaper.