The Golden Thread – The Military Family Line – Repeated traumatization of generations.

The Army have their own language, sayings and many abbreviations for everything which I was interested to learn about.

In the British Army, the concept of the ‘golden thread’ is held dear. It is a term used to denote the continuing, unbroken tradition of a regiment – preserving its history and culture. Such a thread links Army cadets in north-east England to the Scottish unit which suffered Britain’s worst level of military casualties.

As part of my research for this exhibition, I visited Fort George, a few times. It is home to the Black Watch, 3rdBattalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, (3 SCOTS). As I walked around the grounds that cover 42 acres (the size of 40 football pitches), I took photographs and chatted to soldiers on duty, one in particular, about life in the Army. As I chatted to him, a young civilian boy of about 10 years old came up to the soldier and wanted to see his gun. The soldier then told him about it and said that they had to keep it with them at all times, even next to their beds at night. He said it was mainly young boys who had the fascination with the guns and military equipment, weapons and vehicles.

This image of the boy and the soldier kept coming back to me and I drew it firstly in charcoal to depict this meeting of minds at Fort George and the idea that the fascination and interest is important to preserve the golden thread that keep the regiments alive in the British Army. It is also passed on from generation to generation, as is the traumatization of war from generation to generation.

Celia's work was made for this exhibition and is part of our silent auction, proceeds from the highest bid will go to Janette Binnie's fundraiser for Poppy Scotland.

You can also donate directly to Janette's fundraiser at the below link.