Art and Literature

‘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.

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.

'The Wipers Times', 6 March 1916

The Wipers Times: The soldiers’ paper

Full of the dark humour typical of soldiers at war, 'The Wipers Times' was one of the finest of many trench publications produced on the Western Front.

Battle of Isandlwana, 1879

Restoring Isandlwana

'The Battle of Isandlwana' is one of our most popular artworks. But a few years back, this iconic painting needed some tender loving conservation.

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).

Contemporary art on display in the Atrium
Display
27 Aug 2025 - 19 Sep 2025 FREE

Myth and Reality: Contemporary Interpretations

See how contemporary artists have re-interpreted some of the iconic Victorian artworks on display in our Myth and Reality exhibition.

Visitors in the Myth and Reality exhibition
Tour
25 Sep 2025 £15.00

Exhibition Tour: Victorian Art

Enjoy a guided tour of our major exhibition, ‘Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria’, with lead curator Susan Ward. Part of this year's Chelsea History Festival.

Visitors in the Myth and Reality exhibition
Tour
26 Sep 2025 £15.00

Exhibition Tour: Victorian Art

Enjoy a guided tour of our major exhibition, ‘Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria’, with lead curator Susan Ward. Part of this year's Chelsea History Festival.

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.