Abstract

This paper looks at the function of drawing as one of the vital visual stimuli in triggering memory, prompting learning and assisting recovery after traumatic events. This process is examined through two professional projects: Birmingham Children’s Hospital Liver transplant preparation books, illustrated by Liz Anelli and Mario Minichiello’s illustrations for “My War”, a film documentary by Hurricane Films UK. In both cases, an action research framework was used to form the method of enquiry and reflection. The research questioned: How drawing could be used to contribute to recovering memory? What drawing offered as a graphic language in broadcast (film) media? The outcomes of both projects are evidenced in this paper but are also available through the Internet. Further research activities are being planned around the issues and additional questions that have arisen as a result of conducting these two projects.