Art and Literature

Explore Art and Literature stories

‘The Dead Soldier’, 1832

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

Explore Art and Literature events

Visitors in 'The Story of Soldier Magazine' display
Display
4 Feb 2025 - 6 Jul 2025 FREE

The Story of Soldier Magazine

For 80 years, the journalists of ‘Soldier’ magazine have stood side by side with British Army troops to record seminal moments in our history. The short film in this display celebrates that contribution.

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
6 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.

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 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.

‘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.

‘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’.

Explore Art and Literature learning resources

Mini Mission: Music Makers
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.