Pale Armistice

"Pale Armistice is a triumph of a subversive surrealism, simultaneously bearing delight and gravity; and it is too, a feminist meditation on memorialisation, not only of those killed in war, but of its damaged and bereaved survivors".

Dr Ruth Richardson

 

Pale Armistice, 1991,  Photograph by Dewi Tannatt Lloyd, Courtesy of Ruthin Craft Centre

Pale Armistice, Rozannes best known piece, is now in the permanent collection of The Imperial War Museum, and has been widely exhibited. The quiet, reflective wreath, composed of a multitude of white and cream gloves lain gently over one another, imparts its message with subtle dignity. It was purchased for The Embroiderers Guild Collection in 1987, with its full title, Pale Armistice: in death only are we united. Rozanne subsequently made another version at the request of The Imperial War Museum. This new wreath, known only by its short title Pale Armistice, was completed in 1991. Having achieved something of a 'mascot' status, its compelling fusion of the poetic idea and pictorial statement, has meant it has appeared on IWM literature continuously since 2000.

"This state of war seems un-ending and only in death are we united in an enviable peace".

 Rozanne Hawksley