7 July 2026 - 21 February 2027

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

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

Free exhibition

Discover over 50 original drawings and works on paper, many exhibited publicly for the first time in over a century, alongside uniforms, photographs, archives and medals.

During the First World War (1914–18), the French artist Paul Sarrut served as a liaison officer and interpreter with British, French and Indian units on the Western Front. He lived among the men he drew, capturing daily life at close quarters in camps, billets and medical stations.

Indian soldiers left the deepest impression on Sarrut's work. Their distinctive uniforms, languages and traditions attracted his particular attention. They formed the subject of some of his most detailed studies.

A unique visual record

Bringing together over 50 original drawings and works on paper, many displayed publicly for the first time in over 100 years, this is the first UK exhibition ever dedicated to Paul Sarrut.

Exhibited alongside his vivid sketches are uniforms, photographs, archives and medals. Highlights include the Victoria Crosses awarded to Lieutenant Frank de Pass, the first Jewish recipient, and Sepoy Khudadad Khan, who was both the first Muslim and the first soldier from the Indian subcontinent to receive the award.

The exhibition also features interactive displays, including extracts from the diary of Jemadar Kirpal Singh of the 34th Sikh Pioneers, read in Punjabi by his grandson, Dr Gurpreet Singh.

Generously supported by Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC

Allow 30 minutes
Access via main lift
Gallery on Floor 2

Plan your free visit

1914

Sepoy Harnam Singh

Probably the most iconic portrait in the exhibition, this drawing of Sepoy Harnam Singh was made just weeks after his arrival in France. Sarrut carefully recorded that Harnam was a Tarkhan Sikh — a carpenter by trade — preserving an important part of his identity. The portrait was later reproduced in 'The Illustrated War News' and as a postcard, becoming one of the best-known images of Indian service during the First World War. (© The Estate of Paul Sarrut)

1914

Army Service Corps

Likely the earliest Sarrut drawing in the National Army Museum's collection, this sketch captures a group of Army Service Corps soldiers deep in conversation. Unaware of Sarrut's presence, they reveal the artist at his most observant, quietly documenting the everyday lives of the men around him. It is a reminder of the vital, yet often overlooked, role played by the Army Service Corps throughout the First World War. (© The Estate of Paul Sarrut)

1915

Study of a mule

Not all of Sarrut's subjects were human. This charming study demonstrates his considerable artistic skill, particularly in capturing animal anatomy. It also serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by working animals during the war. Mules, horses, dogs and pigeons all contributed to the war effort and were essential to keeping armies moving and supplied. (© The Estate of Paul Sarrut)

1915

Interpreters

This fascinating group portrait depicts the British and French interpreters attached to the Indian Army's Lahore Division. Their work enabled communication between Allied armies, soldiers, civilians and medical staff, making them essential to military operations on the Western Front. Look closely and you'll spot Sarrut himself - the only self-portrait included in the exhibition. (© The Estate of Paul Sarrut)

1915

Soldiers resting

This scene shows Indian and British soldiers relaxing together behind the lines. Some read newspapers or letters, while others simply sit quietly, lost in thought. The drawing, executed in red conté crayon, captures a rare moment of calm and offers a glimpse of the friendships and routines that existed away from the battlefield. (© The Estate of Paul Sarrut)

‘Young Cavalryman at Château de la Morande’

1915

A young cavalryman

There is a warmth and familiarity to this portrait that suggests a comfortable relationship between artist and sitter. Posed with a teacup in hand, the cavalryman appears relaxed and at ease. Sarrut's use of cross-hatching creates rich textures and shadows, while the interior setting reminds us that life on the Western Front extended far beyond the trenches. (© The Estate of Paul Sarrut)

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