At the outbreak of the Second World War, Sir Kenneth Clark persuaded the government to set up the War Artists scheme, to preserve the life of artists and provide them with work. Piper was involved in two aspects of the scheme, the painting of war damage; and the 'Recording of Britain' project. This was organised by Clark and the Pilgrim Trust, and was intended to provide a record of buildings that might be damaged by enemy bombs. Piper contributed drawings from all over the country for the four books which were published by the Trust.