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).

Dawn of Waterloo, a painting by Lady Butler
Talk
23 Jan 2026 FREE

Lady Butler: War Artist and Traveller

Join historian Dr Catherine Wynne for an engaging talk on the life and career of Elizabeth Thompson Butler.

The Capitulation of Kars, a painting Thomas Jones Barker
Talk
20 Feb 2026 FREE

Victorian Visions of War and Peace: Aesthetics and Violence in the British Empire, 1851-1900

Historian Sean Willcock explores how visual media influenced imperial statecraft and created the aesthetic and ethical frameworks for confronting colonial violence.

A man talking about a painting to two guests.
Tour
20 Mar 2026 FREE

Slow Looking Tour: Victorian Art

Join us on Chelsea Wellness Day for a guided tour of our 'Myth and Reality' exhibition that will focus on mindfulness and reflection.