Fragment of the temporary Cenotaph, Whitehall, 1919

Part of the original, temporary wooden Cenotaph designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) and installed on Whitehall, in London, in 1919. The temporary Cenotaph was made of wood and plaster, and painted white. The original structure was unveiled on Peace Day, 19 July 1919 but was taken down and replaced by the permanent, Portland stone copy in 1920.

This fragment is wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. A paper label records its provenance. The inscription on the wrapping label records that the original memorial was demolished and pieces presented to the men and staff of St Dunstan's, the charity set up for blind soldiers, sailors and airmen, now known as Blind Veterans UK.