An art exhibition marking the centenary of the First World War is coming to Dorchester.

The event, Art4Army will feature contemporary art and is the first of its kind in the region.

It is supported by many well-known British artists.

Art4Army will take place at Duke's Auction House from Friday, September 28 to Tuesday, October 2.

The artists exhibiting are offering to sell their paintings, sculptures and ceramics, with a percentage of the proceeds going directly to the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the British Army’s national charity.

Some of the many artists already confirmed are:

  • Ken Howard OBE, RA

  • Richard Pikesley PNEAC

  • Charles Church

  • Mark Coreth

  • Nicholas Hely-Hutchinson

The exhibition starts with a ticket-only private viewing on Thursday, 27 and will then run daily. There will also be a programme of talks by artists, art historians and authors, kicked off by Kate Adie OBE, DL, on art in the Army in war zones and war artists she has known.

A spokesman for the organisers said: "The exhibition does not focus on war but provides a vehicle for British artists to show their support for the Army by contributing to, and supporting, The Soldiers’ Charity’s event."

The Soldiers' Charity's vision is for all soldiers, veterans and their immediate families to have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity.

A spokesman added: "We give a lifetime of support to soldiers and veterans from the British Army, and their immediate families, when they are in need. We make grants to individuals through their Regiments and Corps and support a wide range of specialist charities that sustain the British Army ‘family’, both at home and around the world.

"We take pride in being responsive, making a difference at a critical point in people’s lives. We have been doing this since 1944, working with veterans of every conflict, and we envisage continuing doing so for the ‘long haul’ – supporting all future generations of our soldiers and their dependants."

For more information and tickets go to www.art4army.org