Camouflage exhibition

Hide out with the kids this Easter, at the Imperial War Museum North’s Camouflage exhibition. Families are being invited to uncover the wonders of camouflage, including how to hide a fleet of battleships and find out why you would paint a jeep pink…

The small interactive, free exhibition for all ages, marks 95 years since camouflage was first used in warfare by combatants during the First World War. Revealing the principles of disguise and deception, tactile activities show how camouflage has developed throughout the 20th Century.

Learn about the origins and principles of camouflage: from concealment- the most common form of camouflage, to obstruction- by putting something in the way of an enemy, to disguise and deception.

Jim Forrester, Imperial War Museum North Director, said: ‘Imperial War Museum North shows how war shapes the lives of everyone in society. 95 years ago camouflage was a brilliant military invention; now it has become very much part of popular culture. This family friendly display is a fun way for all the family to unearth the true secrets of disguise and deception.’

The whole family will be able to see amazing techniques and explore the art of obstruction and illusion on land, in the air and at sea. Children can play with fascinating hanging shapes as well as colours, patterns and fabrics to see how camouflage works. They can also get their hands on and feel the textures of trickery, complementing the sights, sounds and smells of conflict elsewhere in the Museum. Prepare to be confused and dazzled, have fun and be entertained.

Complete your camouflage journey by following a special camouflage trail that will lead you to discover a host of objects large and small, including a First World War Trench mortar. Get an eyeful of art as you discover the large scale oil painting, Mud by Gilbert Rogers and get hands on at our Action Station to try out some camouflage for real.

Kids can finish off by playing the camouflage artist at a specially themed colouring in station in the Water Shard Cafe, while tasting the IWMN’s new camo-cake. The museum shop is also stocking camouflage jackets, t-shirts, squeezy teddy bears and rubber ducks- proving that in the last 95 years camouflage has gone from military innovation to popular culture accessory.

Camouflage is at the IWMN from 27 March to 12 September 2010.
Entry is free. To find out more visit north.iwm.org.uk