Myth and Reality

'Home Again, 1854'
1 Jul 2025 - 1 Nov 2026

Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria

This major exhibition of rarely seen artworks illuminates shifting attitudes towards soldiers and the Army during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837 – 1901).
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Detail from 'Home Again, 1858'

Home Again, 1858

This painting by Henry Nelson O'Neil captures the moment soldiers and their families are reunited after a long spell of separation. Here, we take a closer look at the artwork to gain a 19th-century insight into this often neglected aspect of military life.

'Dawn of Waterloo', by Lady Elizabeth Butler, 1895

Dawn of Waterloo

This emotive oil painting is one of the highlights of our art collection. Details revealed during four months of specialist conservation have enhanced our understanding of the artist, Lady Butler, and her empathy for the ordinary soldier.

Capturing the Army

Capturing the Army

Today, the Army trains specialist photographers to capture its story. But the demand for images depicting soldiers' experiences is nothing new. Here we look at some of the earliest pioneers of military photography.

General Sir Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1894

Frederick Roberts: Bobs

Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts was one of Britain’s most successful military commanders of the 19th century, winning victories during the Second Afghan War and revitalising the British campaign in the Boer War. 

‘A Welcome Arrival’, 1857

Drawn on the spot: War artists and the illustrated press

To satisfy the Victorian public’s growing desire for authentic images of war, newspapers began sending artists to accompany British troops on campaign. Their pictures formed the substance of much war reporting.

Explore Myth and Reality events

Detail from the painting 'Home Again, 1858'
Exhibition
1 Jul 2025 - 1 Nov 2026 FREE

Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria

This major exhibition of rarely seen artworks illuminates shifting attitudes towards soldiers and the Army during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837 – 1901).

People feeling the textures of items in the handling collection
Tour
18 Jul 2025 FREE

Victorian Art: Sensory Tour

Explore our new exhibition ‘Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria’ through a sensory tour guided by our Community Engagement Team.

The Coldstream Guards Changing Guard at St James, c1905
Spotlight
19 Jul 2025 FREE

Victorian Soldier Spotlight

To mark the opening of our new exhibition, ‘Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria’, join us for a day of talks and activities, and the chance to meet soldiers who still serve in scarlet.

Detail from a painting of the Battle of Abu Klea, 1885
Talk
19 Jul 2025 FREE

Kit and Equipment of the Victorian Army

Join Julian Farrance for a hands-on introduction to the kit and equipment used by the British Army in the Victorian age. Part of our Victorian Soldier Spotlight.

The defence of Rorke’s Drift, 22-23 January 1879
Talk
19 Jul 2025 £5.00

Military Art of the Zulu War

Ian Knight examines artistic representations of the Zulu War of 1879 and how they continue to influence our understanding of the conflict today. Part of our Victorian Soldier Spotlight.

Charge of the 21st Lancers at Omdurman, 1898
Talk
19 Jul 2025 £5.00

The Battle of Omdurman

Join Peter Hart as he examines the decisive defeat of the Mahdist forces at Omdurman in 1898, and the lasting legacy for Sudan and Britain. Part of our Victorian Soldier Spotlight.

Cigar box, 1900
Course
26-27 Jul 2025 £100.00

Embroidery Course: Victorian Art

Elevate your embroidery skills on this two-day course inspired by the Museum’s collection and led by experts from Hand & Lock, London’s premier embroidery house.

Family participating in a workshop
Workshop
29 Jul 2025 - 1 Aug 2025 FREE

Heroic Headwear

Get inspired by the images in our ‘Myth and Reality’ exhibition, then create your own piece of iconic headwear at our military hat-making workshop.

‘Returning Home’, 1858
Talk
8 Aug 2025 FREE

Domesticity and Intimacy in Victorian Military Art

Explore the world of Victorian military art with Professor Philip Shaw as he reflects on the relationship between wartime experience and domestic daily life.

Detail from the painting 'A Welcome Arrival, 1855'
Tour
8 Aug 2025 £15.00

Exhibition Tour: Myth and Reality

Enjoy a guided tour of our new major exhibition, ‘Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria’, with lead curator Susan Ward.

Child taking part in a workshop
Workshop
19-22 Aug 2025 FREE

Marvellous Victorian Medals

Join us for this family-friendly workshop and create a medal worthy of the highest achievement using clay and other materials.

‘Patient Heroes’, a Royal Horse Artillery gun team in action, 1882
Tour
30 Aug 2025 £2.00

Victorian Art: BSL Tour

Follow expert guide Edward Richards on a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of our new exhibition ‘Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria’.