• 10.00am - 5.30pm
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London
  • 10.00am - 5.30pm
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London

Art and Literature

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

This oil painting is one of the highlights of our Conflict in Europe gallery. Details revealed during four months of specialist conservation have enhanced our understanding of the artist and her empathy for the ordinary soldier.

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Detail from 'A Grand Review of the Army at Hounslow Heath, 1687'

A Grand Review of the Army at Hounslow Heath, 1687

This detailed drawing by Willem van de Velde the Elder portrays one of the earliest formal musterings of the Army. Here, we take a closer look at this grand spectacle that allowed King James II to flex his political and military muscle.

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Detail from 'Destruction of the Floating Batteries, Gibraltar, 14 September 1782'

Destruction of the Floating Batteries, Gibraltar, 14 September 1782

This painting by George Carter captures a pivotal moment in the Siege of Gibraltar, a contest for control of this strategic Mediterranean base during the American War of Independence.

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Detail from 'Troops of the Royal West African Frontier Force in the Arakan, Burma, 1944'

Troops of the Royal West African Frontier Force in the Arakan, Burma, 1944

This painting by Captain Hugh Micklem depicts West African soldiers on campaign in Burma (now Myanmar) during the Second World War.

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Detail from 'The Battle of Blenheim, 13 August 1704'

The Battle of Blenheim, 13 August 1704

This work of art depicts the final stages of the Battle of Blenheim. It was painted by John Wootton around 40 years after the event. Here, we take a closer look to discover more about this key moment in European history.

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Detail from the painting 'Inside Mastiff 33A'

Inside Mastiff 33A (‘Withdrawing, We Don’t Retreat’), February 2010

This painting by Jules George captures the claustrophobic conditions inside a British patrol vehicle during the war in Afghanistan.

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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.

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Detail from 'The King’s Shilling, c1770'

The King’s Shilling, c1770

This painting depicts an army recruiting party going about its business at an English country fair. Here, we take a closer look at the artwork to learn more about 18th-century recruitment and its impact on volunteers and their loved ones.

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A soldier relating his exploits in a tavern, 1821

A soldier relating his exploits in a tavern, 1821

This painting depicts a Waterloo veteran regaling his fellow tavern-goers with tales of past glory. Here, we take a closer look to discover what the artwork tells us about soldiers and society in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars.

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

Dawn of Waterloo

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

explore this story
Rex Whistler’s self-portrait, May 1940

Rex Whistler’s self-portrait, May 1940

This self-portrait is one of many depictions of Second World War soldiers on display at the National Army Museum. Here, we take a closer look at the painting to discover more about Whistler's life as an artist and soldier.

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Detail from painting of the Battle of Isandlwana

The Battle of Isandlwana, 22 January 1879

One of our most popular paintings is a depiction of the Battle of Isandlwana by Charles Fripp. Here, we take a closer look at the artwork to discover more about this infamous British defeat.

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Keziah Burt sculpting a portrait bust of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Sculpting Elizabeth: A tribute to the Queen’s wartime service

In this video, we speak to figurative artist Keziah Burt about the making of a commemorative portrait bust of Queen Elizabeth II and reflect on Her Majesty's service in the Second World War.

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Explore Art and Literature events

'Shakespeare and War' exhibition graphic
Exhibition At Museum

6 October 2023 - 1 September 2024

FREE

Shakespeare and War

Explore some of the ways in which Shakespeare has shaped how we think about soldiers and the Army, and how we imagine war and its consequences today.

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Museum visitor looking at a Crimean War painting
Tour At Museum

23 March 2024, 11.00am

£5.00

Curator Tour: Art Through Time

Join curator Anna Lavelle as she explores some of the fascinating works of art on display in our galleries that represent the British Army throughout the centuries.

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A visitor sketching a bust of Napoleon
Workshop At Museum

6 April 2024, 10.00am

£20.00

Sketching the Museum

Explore the galleries of the National Army Museum and develop your drawing skills in this sketching workshop led by artist Leo Crane.

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Bone model of a British Army cannon, 1851
Workshop At Museum

15 May 2024, 2.00pm

£10.00

Soldier Craft Through Time

Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at objects from the Museum’s collection that showcase the craftwork of soldiers across the centuries.

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Calligraphy pen
Workshop At Museum

15 June 2024, 10.00am

£55.00

Calligraphy Workshop: Soldiers’ Letters

Discover the art of calligraphy in this one-day workshop led by expert teacher Rosana Fulford. Beginners are welcome.

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'Dawn of Waterloo', by Lady Elizabeth Butler, 1895
Talk At Museum / Online

21 June 2024, 12.00pm

FREE

Lady Butler’s Waterloo

Join curator Anna Lavelle as she explores the Waterloo campaign through iconic depictions by the acclaimed Victorian artist Lady Butler.

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Explore Art and Literature learning resources

Mini Mission: Music Makers
Home Activity

EY-KS2 (Ages 3 to 11)

Mini Mission: Music Makers

Music has been part of Army life for a long time! Get your grown-ups involved and try this Mini Mission at home.

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"First time @NAM_London today. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thought the presentation & interpretation made the subject accessible..."