Fine Art Print : Pigeons for message-carrying WWI
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Fine Art Prints From Mary Evans Picture Library
Pigeons for message-carrying WWI
Going going gone! During the First World War, homing pigeons were used extensively to transport messages back to their home coop behind the lines.
1917
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14346067
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Carrier Communication Homing Messages Messenger Pigeon Pigeons Releasing Sending
20"x20" (+3" Border) Fine Art Print
Step back in time with our captivating Fine Art Print from Mary Evans Picture Library. This evocative image of message-carrying pigeons during World War I transports you to the trenches of 1917. Homing pigeons played a crucial role in communication between soldiers and their commanders, bravely delivering vital information against the backdrop of the Great War. Add this historical masterpiece to your collection and bring a piece of history into your home.
21x7 image printed on 27x13 Fine Art Rag Paper with 3" (76mm) white border. Our Fine Art Prints are printed on 300gsm 100% acid free, PH neutral paper with archival properties. This printing method is used by museums and art collections to exhibit photographs and art reproductions.
Our fine art prints are high-quality prints made using a paper called Photo Rag. This 100% cotton rag fibre paper is known for its exceptional image sharpness, rich colors, and high level of detail, making it a popular choice for professional photographers and artists. Photo rag paper is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print. If you can afford to spend more on a higher quality paper, then Photo Rag is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print.
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 17.7cm x 42.5cm (7" x 16.7")
Estimated Product Size is 33cm x 68.6cm (13" x 27")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS
Going, Going, Gone: The Unsung Heroes of WWI Communication - Homing Pigeons in Action, 1917 Amid the chaos and destruction of the First World War battlefields, a quiet and unassuming hero emerged: the homing pigeon. In this evocative image from 1917, captured by an unknown photographer and now available through Mary Evans Picture Library, we witness a British soldier releasing a messenger pigeon from a wicker basket. The pigeon, with its wings spread wide, readies itself for the arduous journey back to its home coop, carrying a vital message that could mean the difference between victory and defeat. The use of homing pigeons as messengers dates back to ancient civilizations, but their role in the First World War was more crucial than ever before. With communication lines often severed and the risk of interception high, these birds proved to be invaluable assets for both the Allied and Central Powers. Trained to fly back to their specific coops, they could cover great distances, often in adverse weather conditions, and could carry messages that weighed up to 1.5 ounces (43 grams). The process of sending a message via pigeon was meticulous. The message was tied to the bird's leg with a thin, elastic band, and a metal ring was attached to the other leg to help identify the bird upon its return. Once released, the pigeon would fly back to its coop, where it would be greeted by its handler, who would then deliver the message to the appropriate military personnel. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the incredible role homing pigeons played during the First World War, a testament to their unwavering loyalty and the vital role they played in the communication efforts of the British military.
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