The lives and work of poets, including Edmund Blunden, Rupert Brooke, Robert Graves, Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon are documented in “Anthem for Doomed Youth: 12 Soldier Poets of the First World War”, which runs at the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, London SE1, until April 27. Among the manuscripts, letters, photographs and personal mementoes on display is: z Edmund Blunden’s Military Cross and the uniform tunic he wore as a lieutenant in the Royal Sussex Regiment. z Siegfried Sassoon’s pistol, his protest statement against the war and a medical report describing his mental condition as “abnormal”.z Edward Thomas’s diary, which was creased by the blast of the shell that killed him, along with his pocket watch, which stopped at the moment of his death. Admission: pound;5, pound;4 concessions.

Tel: 020 7416 5320 www.iwm.org.uk

INFORMATION. For authentic-looking textiles for school productions and re-enactment groups try Herts Specialists Fabrics. Cottons and calicos are available for pound;1.50 a metre and linens, damasks, brocades, pure wool and velvet for pound;5 a metre. The company also runs re-enactment events between February and October and takes part in two “Re-enactors Markets” a year, one of which is currently taking place at Warwickshire Exhibition Centre until November 17. Visitors to the centre can find anything from a bone needle to costumes for all periods up to World War II. Anwar Ali, Herts Specialists Fabrics, 11 Brickfield, Hatfield, Herts AL10 8TN.

Tel: 01707 265815

Fax: 01707 892575