A PEMBROKESHIRE artist hopes her latest work will serve as a permanent reminder of the lessons that must be learnt from conflict.

Using a range of natural materials, potter Barbie Dureau has created a large ‘chessboard’ style base that houses 196 clay pots – one for each country in the world.

Barbie’s grandfather, Walter Eric David survived the First World War, and she says this piece was her way of showing her gratitude to him, and the men who never came home.

“The year 2014 has seen worldwide commemoration of the outbreak, one hundred years ago, of that monumentally misnamed ‘war to end all wars’,” said Barbie, 50.

“This installation attempts a visual and tactile interpretation of today’s global realities, so distant from that brave claim of 1914 and so clearly showing our failure to learn from the lessons of history.”

The pots are designed to remind the viewer of countries’ proximity and relationship to each other, and the need for the world to unite if it is to achieve peace.

The work also explores tribal differences, the lust for power, and common goals such as “our elemental need to satisfy hunger and enjoy stability”.

“It’s my way of expressing my rage at the position the world is in but in my own, quiet way,” she said.

The pots are also for sale at £25 each, all of which will go to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Speaking at the launch of the exhibition recently, local artist and veteran Barry John MBE was full of praise for Barbie’s work.

“It’s a multi-layered project grounded in the history of Barbie’s family story,” he said.

“She has really put her heart out on the table. It’s a real statement.”

The free exhibition, which is currently on show at the Coffee Cave, High Street, Haverfordwest, until December 31, will move to The George Public House on The Mill pond in Pembroke on January 1, for one week.

Barbie is also looking for other venues around the county where she can show her work in 2015.

To keep up to date with the tour, or to volunteer an exhibition space, search ‘21st Century Stalemate’ on Facebook or contact the artist on 07764 581740.