National Army Museum
'L'Entente Cordiale', Crimea, 1855

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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.

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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.

explore this story
Women's work?

Women's work?

Discover how women’s contributions to the British Army have helped bring about change over the past 100 years. And see how Army recruiters have adapted their messaging accordingly.

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Abram Games in his studio, c1941

Abram Games and the power of the poster

Abram Games was 'Official War Poster Artist' during the Second World War. Always direct, and occasionally controversial, his posters have left a legacy that continues to influence the art of persuasion used by visual designers today.

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Abram Games poster, 'Your Britain. Fight for It Now', 1942

Abram Games, ABCA and the fight for post-war change

During the Second World War, Abram Games produced a series of posters for the Army Bureau of Current Affairs. These aimed to remind soldiers what they were fighting for, while also offering a glimpse of the post-war society they could aspire to.

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Lord Strathcona’s Horse on the march, 1918

Beauty in desolation: Munnings and the First World War

In 1918, the artist Alfred Munnings was tasked with recording the wartime contribution of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade and Forestry Corps. His paintings highlight the military role of horses, capturing their beauty in the war-affected landscapes of France.

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An unidentified officer of Fencible Cavalry, c1800

Paintings in little

Recent research on the museum's collection of portrait miniatures has revealed new information about artists and untold stories about some of the subjects they portrayed.

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'An East View of the Great Cataract of Niagara', 1762

The earliest European view of Niagara

Thomas Davies' watercolour, ‘An East View of the Great Cataract of Niagara’ (1762), documents the struggle for control of North America and illuminates the history of British exploration and science.

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Matthew Cook's paint set

Painting in the line of fire

Painting on campaign presents war artists with a number of issues; not least that they are non-combatants in some of the most dangerous environments in the world.

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‘A Welcome Arrival’, 1857

Drawn on the spot: War artists and the illustrated press

In Victorian Britain, it was the news of war rather than the antics of minor entertainment celebrities that boosted sales of newspapers.

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The Tanjore Durbar, Madras, February 1840

Indian armies, Indian art

Artworks created by Indian artists for the British soldiers serving on the subcontinent provide a fascinating insight into early Anglo-Indian relations.

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The Wipers Times: The soldiers' paper

The Wipers Times: The soldiers' paper

'The Wipers Times' was full of dark humour and one of the finest trench publications from the First World War.

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Battle of Isandlwana, 1879

Restoring Isandlwana

'The Battle of Isandlwana' is one of our most popular artworks. But before going on display again, the iconic painting needed some TLC: tender loving conservation!

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Explore Art and Literature events

Army Film and Photographic Competition: 2020 winners
Exhibition

23 January - 13 February 2020

FREE

Army Film and Photographic Competition: 2020 winners

This display of winning entries from the latest competition gives a unique insight into life in the British Army.

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Soldiery: British Army portraits
Talk

31 January 2020, 11.30am

FREE

Soldiery: British Army portraits

Rory Lewis, winner of Portrait of Britain 2017-19, discusses his Soldiery project, a contemporary reflection of the modern British military.

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Tribute Ink
Exhibition

31 January - 17 April 2020

FREE

Tribute Ink

Explore the tattoos worn by members of the Armed Forces community and the powerful stories of identity, comradeship, bravery and sacrifice they represent.

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Behind the lens: British Army photographers
Talk

1 February 2020, 2.30pm

FREE

Behind the lens: British Army photographers

Join acclaimed military photographers Rupert Frere and Graeme Main MBE as they talk about capturing the experiences of the British forces in Afghanistan.

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National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HT
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