Portrait, Villager, Bangalore, India, 1945 (c)

Pencil sketch, signed and dated lower left, by Wilfrid J Myers, 1945 (c).

One of a group of sketches drawn by Private Myers whilst on active service with the Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's) in Burma. Private Myers' sketches provide a visual diary of his military service. He drew with whatever materials he could find, even, on occasion, with camouflage cream or blanco. Many of the sketches show everyday scenes of soldiers relaxing or of the exotic scenery in which the soldier found himself. Like many soldiers, Myers found that sketching was cathartic. He could absorb himself in the beauty of the landscape.