Doris Zinkeisen and the British Red Cross
Brushstrokes from the front lines
In celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the British Red Cross shines a light on the life and work of Doris Zinkeisen – a volunteer, a trailblazing artist and a dedicated humanitarian.
Some of her artworks, created while she was a volunteer nurse, depict the impact of war on civilians on the home front in Britain. Others, produced amid the ruins and chaos of war-torn Europe while she served as an official war artist, show relief work close to the front line.
The exhibition is also an opportunity to pay tribute to the history and ongoing mission of the British Red Cross. For over 150 years, the organisation has upheld its mission to be here for humanity, providing aid before, during and after emergencies to those in need, regardless of who or where they are.
Exhibition credits
Curator: Mehzebin Adam-Suter
Cataloguer: Jemima Mieville
Exhibition designer: Karolina Heller
The live exhibition was held in the Oxo Tower gallery in May 2025 but you can still view it online on our archive website.
Special edition book
We have produced a special edition British Red Cross book to accompany our new exhibition. All profits will go towards helping people in crisis.
Exhibition highlights
Unloading an air ambulance near Bruges
Oil on canvas, 1945 © British Red Cross Museum and Archives
C Ward, 101 British General Hospital, Louvain
Oil on canvas, 1945 © British Red Cross Museum and Archives
Mobile unit responding to an air raid
Watercolour and gouache on paper, c. 1942 © Museum of the Order of St John, London
Packing food parcels for prisoners of war
Watercolour and gouache on paper, c. 1942 © Museum of the Order of St John, London