Ritual

‘Ritual’
The perspective of a mother

Four sons from one family in Dalton-le-Dale, Seaham went to fight in WW1. Three were killed and one returned, but he was severely disfigured both mentally and physically.
Lives were changed forever.
Rogers-Northern fusiliers: died 1916
Thomas-Royal Fusiliers: died 1917
Richard-Northern Staffs: died 1918
Christopher-North Staffs: wounded 1917, returned home.

This installation explores maternal and familial emotions; it is dedicated to the four Oram brothers who lived in a cottage on the boundary of St Andrews Church, Dalton-le-dale. Their mother was the church verger and she washed all of the choir members’ surplices.

‘How would I feel if my children were willing or reluctant participants in a war?
How would I cope waiting for the postman each day? Postcard, letter, telegram?
Would I feel proud, sad, worried or perhaps happy for them as they started their adventure away from home?’

Angela Sandwith