Local Sports Bar owner, Jim Graves of Rockies of the Odyssey Pavillion, has spent the last 10 months painstakingly researching and putting together a captivating WW1 exhibit for tourists and residents of Belfast alike to enjoy.
The entire exhibit stemmed originally from Jim’s own Grandfather having served in WW1, and his interest in creating a tribute. From this, artefacts, letters, medals and photographs of many soldiers and their families from all nations that took part are currently on display.
The exhibit serves as an informative yet moving experience and it’s clear to see the work that has been put into giving these stories and their characters the rightful respect they deserve.
Owner and exhibitor, Jim Graves, says that the project took on a life of its own after the initial image and artefacts he collected based on his Grandfather James Drummond who served with the Royal Canadian Regiment in 1915.
“It was initially something I wanted to do for my Mother, as it was her father that served”.
“The more I worked at creating an ode to him, the more interested I became in telling the stories of the other soldiers from the numerous nations that took part.
The exhibit showcases artefacts from over a dozen nations, including Germany, Australia and Canadian Jim’s beloved home country.
Free admission and open to view every day from 12pm – 5pm, Mr. Graves has offered to give personal tours to any groups interested in viewing.
The exhibit is set to run until the end of August, to which Mr. Graves will then decide on a more permanent home for the display.
WW1 Exhibition open From 12-5 Today #WW1 #belfast pic.twitter.com/WeUbvJBgfI
— Rockies Belfast (@rockiesbelfast) August 1, 2015
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