British Council – British Pavilion in Venice

The Second World War led to Britain’s withdrawal from the Biennale in 1940, abstention in 1942 and finally the suspension of the Biennale itself in 1944 and 1946. During this time the British Pavilion was taken over by the Italien army, becoming the Padiglione del Regio Escercito (Royal Army Pavilion). A mural decorated the loggia and included imagery of St George, the patron saint of Venice.