Art and Literature

Explore Art and Literature stories

With deepest sympathies

Among the most poignant items in the Museum’s archive are letters relating to soldiers’ deaths. Here, we showcase some particularly moving examples, revealing the insights behind the powerful stories they tell.

A soldier writing home while leaning against a ruined wall, Liévin, c1917

In Their Own Words: Stories from the Archive

The National Army Museum's Archive and Library are full of personal stories. Captured in letters, diaries, memoirs and oral histories, these narratives provide valuable insights into the experiences of soldiers and the history of the Army.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 to learn more about 18th-century recruitment and its impact on volunteers and their loved ones.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Art and Literature 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).

Two soldiers of the 15th Lancers (Cureton’s Multanis) sitting on the ground, 1915

Members Only

3 Jul 2026 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Members’ Preview

Enjoy an exclusive preview of the upcoming exhibition 'Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army' with lead curator Anna Lavelle.

Sepoy Harnam Singh of the 34th Sikh Pioneers, 1915

Exhibition

7 Jul 2026 - 21 Feb 2027 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army

Through a unique selection of intimate sketches, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse of everyday life for soldiers serving far from home during the First World War.

Soldiers of the 57th Wilde's Rifles, January 1915

Talk

10 Jul 2026 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Curator’s Introduction

Anna Lavelle, lead curator of the new exhibition ‘Drawn on the Western Front’, explores the wartime work of French artist Paul Sarrut.

Military policemen of the 3rd (Lahore) Division, France, November 1914

Spotlight

11 Jul 2026 FREE

Sarrut Spotlight

To mark the opening of our new exhibition, ‘Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army’, join us for a day of talks, tours and activities.

Tour

20-22 Aug 2026 FREE

Voices from the Canvas: A Storytelling Tour

Join us on storytelling tour of our special exhibition, uncovering surprising tales and seeing how art can bring the myths and realities of war to life.

Tour

12 Sep 2026 £2.00

Drawn on the Western Front: BSL Tour

Follow expert guide Edward Richards on a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of our exhibition ‘Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army’.

Tour

31 Oct 2026 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Audio-Described Tour

Join us for a curator-led tour of our latest exhibition, 'Drawn on the Western Front', designed for blind and visually impaired visitors and their companions.

Explore Art and Literature learning resources

Home Activity

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.