A thought-provoking new exhibition examining the lasting impact of conflict on County Durham’s communities has opened to the public.
A Debt Beyond Words explores the stories of those connected to the Durham Light Infantry (DLI), while also reflecting on the broader human experience of war and its profound effects on families, communities and life on the home front.
It is the latest temporary exhibition to be staged at The Story, Durham County Council’s culture and registration venue on the outskirts of Durham City.
With a focus on the experiences of ordinary people, the exhibition features a fascinating selection of objects, documents and photographs from The Story’s own collections and on loan from Ben Uri Gallery and Museum, Kirkleatham Museum and Beamish, The Living Museum of the North.
Among the items on display are a partially exploded German artillery shell collected by the 4th Battalion DLI after a submarine bombardment at Seaham Harbour on 11 July 1916; a wedding dress made from parachute silk and worn by RAF officer Mary Dawson on her marriage to fellow serviceman Arthur O’Neill in December 1943; and artworks depicting the Nuremberg Trials by official war artist, Dame Laura Knight. There is also a notebook kept by Alice Sharp, wife of Archibald Dobbie Sharp, 2nd Battalion DLI, recording news of his service from his enlistment in February 1917 to his death in September 1918.
Visitors can also view postcards, diaries, sketches, medals and personal items, including brooches, wallets and compacts, all with a story to tell.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said:
“War is more than a series of military conflicts in distant lands; its impact extends into the very heart of our communities.
In this exhibition, we have set out to show how war has shaped the people and landscapes of County Durham.
“It’s about telling the stories of everyday people, from shining a light on extraordinary acts of bravery to delving into the romances that blossomed, the friendships forged and the losses that devastated so many families.
“It is also an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of the DLI and other members of the Armed Forces who have fought to defend the freedoms we enjoy today.”
A Debt Beyond Words runs until January 2027.
The Story is the permanent home of the DLI Collection and Archive, along with four other historic collections, including almost six miles of archives charting more than 900 years of history.
It is also the home of the County Durham Registration Service, a permanent exhibition about the history of the area and its people, a search and discover research space, and a café.
The Story is open every day and entry is free.
To find out more, visit www.thestorydurham.org and follow @TheStoryDurham on Facebook.
