On 26th September 2015 the Royal British Legion in Long Melford restaged an art exhibition entitled "Keepers of the Commonwealth" which was originally held in London in 1939 and featured the work of Countess Ingegerd Ahlefeldt Laurvig.
The Countess was resident in Long Melford until she passed away in 1987 and these paintings have been hidden away for many years. They feature men from the Royal Hospital at Chelsea (Chelsea Pensioners) painted by the Countess there between 1936 and 1939. In addition, seventeen other works painted by the Countess during the 1930’s were on display.
We were delighted to welcome representatives from the Royal Hospital at Chelsea to our clubhouse.
The portrait of General Sir Walter Braithwaite was presented to the Royal Hospital and it will be restored and displayed in it's rightful place almost 100 years since it was painted.
Our thanks are recorded to Mr Aidan Crawte who has been tireless in the research concerning these paintings and RSM John Rochester, Heritage Manager of the Royal Hospital for his support.
Many of the paintings and the background story may be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/Countess-Ingegerd-Ahlefeldt-983787221663871/timeline/
Enquiries please Email: Rbl.longmelford@gmail.com
