THE centenary of the First World War may be over, but its memory lingers on and a unique exhibition of artwork from the four year conflict is to be staged at Worcester Guildhall throughout February.

Art of the Great War, fifty original paintings and prints collected and selected by historian and art dealer John Noott, will go on show from Saturday, February 2 until Friday, March 1 and admission is free.

Organised by the Worcestershire World War One Hundred programme, the display is part of a remarkable collection of original artworks gathered Mr Noott over the last thirty years. It features paintings, prints and drawings that bring to life varied aspects of the First World War, from those who served either on the frontline or on the home front.

Adrian Gregson, Worcestershire World War One Hundred project manager, said: “I am delighted to be working with John to bring the Art of the Great War to Worcester. The work on show at the Guildhall will present an incredible snap shot of the experiences of those on the front line and in doing so is incredibly moving. Whilst Armistice has passed this isn’t the end of the story and the Worcestershire World War One Hundred programme is keen to continue to share stories from the First World War and exhibitions like this are a great way of doing that.”

John Noott’s father served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in the Great War and he has always been interested in this period in history. As an art dealer, Mr Noott has been able to collect works of art from the time from both well-known and amateur artists.

He said: “These works show the whole scope of experiences during the Great War from the devastation on the battlefield to incredibly moving depictions of the soldiers experiences. I hope people enjoy the exhibition and that they educate and contribute to our understanding of the impact of World War One.”

The Worcestershire World War One Hundred programme received the largest Heritage Lottery Fund First World War Grant outside London and has held displays, services, children's activities, visited schools with education resources, shown films, produced legacy trails in print and online, published a daily diary of events in county newspapers, supported local commemorative projects, and collected the documents and stories of the county in the People's Collection.

The Guildhall exhibition will be open daily from 9.30am – 4.30pm, except Sundays.