Building record 1295/0/3 - American Red Cross Institute Building

{1} 28.01.98: Photo provided by B Lowry who reports in letter of 24.12.97 that the mural depicts - "… a 'bobby soxer' jitterbugging. The well endowed young lady wears a red and white top and short red skirt with black lining. She wears bobby socks and (?) black and white shoes. Her left hand is probably twirling in the air, and two fingers are raised in a vee fashion. Unfortunately her face and hair are difficult to distinguish.The 'band' consists of a drummer in a dark suit or in khaki. 'ARC' (American Red Cross) is written across the bass drum. Musical notes are in the air above the ensemble."

{2} Range of buildings presumed part of hospital/covalescent home. Buildings appear to be of rendered temporary brick construction. Many reused for agricultural/estate purposes.

{3} Record Site Plan Bldg No: 306, Type: 170-950, D.W.G.No: 14392/41. Large dilapidated building to north of dining room. Fair condition. Currently used for agricultural storage. On the eastern side of a partition wall located at the the west end of the building's south wing is a large painted mural. It depicts ?3 female jazz musicians. The initials 'ARC' are portrayed on musician's bass drum. BL advises that these stand for American Red Cross. An unusual survival meriting more detailed photographic recording.

<1> Lowry B., Correspondence, (unchecked) (Correspondence). SNN102303.

<2> Cadman G., 2014, 20th Century Military Archaeology in Northamptonshire: Logs 1, 2 & 3, p.18+88-94 (unchecked) (Report). SNN104868.

<3> Site Plan (For Polebrook Airfield), (unchecked) (Plan). SNN102300.

Record last edited

May 20 2022 12:03PM