Kirsty Chapman, who uses fingerprints to create military-themed remembrance artwork, is asking for veterans and serving personnel to send theirs for her latest piece.
It’s the third work of its kind for the artist. She collected more than 200 prints for her first – Path to Peace – by taking it around the country on public transport.
The picture now hangs in the Chavasse Clinic in Brighton. A second, featuring fingerprints from several Chelsea Pensioners, was donated to the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Kirsty, from East Grinstead, was inspired by the work of plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe, a pioneer in the treatment of badly burned pilots. She learned about it from her grandmother, who cooked for his patients and staff at the hospital.
The fingerprints represent poppies on the canvas. Each is numbered and the contributor’s name is included in a book accompanying the painting.
Kirsty explained: “I have all different regiments, ages and branches of the military who have added fingerprints.”
This time around, as well as adding them in person, she is encouraging veterans and serving personnel to send their prints in by email and post.
“All you need is some red paint or ink, just stamp a good few prints onto a sheet of paper and add your name and service details plus any message that I can add to the accompanying book.”
Anyone who wants theirs to be included can email poppyartuk@gmail.com or send them c/o Rick Kilner, Ex Services Club, 4 Station Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3DJ.