Monday 20 February 2012

National Army Museum

Last week I posted pictures from my recent trip to the War Horse Exhibition at the National Army Museum in Chelsea. I've now had a chance to work through the pictures I took of the rest of the museum and these are shown as a slideshow at the bottom of this post. I've never been to this museum before but I have to say I was very impressed. Its very family friendly without loosing interest for the older visitor or history buff. There are lots of models and hands on displays throughout the building that will keep children of all ages (and I count myself amongst them) happy and engaged.

One of my favorite exhibits was William Siborne's famous model of the Battle of Waterloo. In 1830 Siborne was commissioned to construct a model of the Battle of Waterloo and thus began an extensive period of research during which Siborne contacted many of the surviving allied officers for their recollections of the day. The model was not completed until 1838 and nearly bankrupted him in the process. He also earned the enmity of the Duke of Wellington as his research appeared to contradict the Dukes own account of the battle.


On the top floor there is also an art gallery with several famous works in it that I didn't realize were held here. One is the well known 1879 painting by Charles Fripp of the Battle of Isandlwana. This image has been reproduced so many times it has become iconic and instantly recognisable. Although Fripp was not a witness to the battle he was able to visit the scene a few weeks later where the bodies of the fallen still remained.

Detail of 1879 painting, "Battle of Isandlwana" by Charles Fripp

Here's the rest of my pictures from the museum. I hope you like them. As always if you see any errors with the labeling please let me know and I'll make any necessary corrections.



I was also very impressed with the museum shop. Most of the stuff you find in these sort of shops is usually just overpriced 'tat'. By here there was an excellent selection of books and gifts, with a range of prices to suit all pockets. If you can get a chance to visit this Museum I think you'll be impressed both with its accessibility and the comprehensive collection they have on display.

16 comments:

  1. Thanks for the review, I walked past it recently, will have to check it out. forgot that was where the Waterloo model ended up.

    Have you read 'Model Victory' about the Waterloo Model? I read it last year, tells the story of the Model well. .

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  2. Thanks for the great pictures.

    I would love to game over that terrain in the top picture!

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  3. Wow, what a great museum. Beautiful artwork, and I thought letting the kids do sabre drill was brilliant. Great way to keep them happy and interested.

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  4. I'm ashamed to say that I've not been to the museum, but must make amends. The Fripp is one of my all time favourite battle scenes; pure Victorian drama at its best!

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  5. I would love to visit it sometime.....

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  6. Thanks for the review. Visiting NAM is one of our objectives when the Spanish Lardies Brigade fly in April to attend Salute: a full long weekend, with Friday heading to Bovington Tank Museum as we land in Gatwick early in the morning, Saturday morning Salute, the NAM in the afternoon and Sunday morning the Imperial War Museum. Can hardly wait!

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  7. I visited a couple of years ago and agree it is a great museum. Lots of goodies in the bookshop as well

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  8. Very nice post and, as usual, your photography is excellent. Really good shots.

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  9. They used to (20 years ago!)have John Sandars' collection of 8th Army 1/76th Airfix conversions which were magnificent! I'm not sure where they have gone now- possibly Hatfield House ?

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  10. Great photos. Looks like lots to see. Thanks for sharing this.
    Cheers

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  11. Fantastic Big Lee - really great photos and it looks like a fantastic museum - definately a 'must visit' when I get to the Old Dart!

    Cheers,
    Doc

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  12. Great post Lee. Wonderful photos. A bit far for me to visit anytime soon.

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  13. I have been to the NAM a number of times. It is quite child friendly, and is close to certain Knightsbridge shops so other halves can be comfortably distracted. There is some great stuff hidden away, not always on show I'm afraid. One of the most amazing items is the original order that sent off the Charge of The Light Brigade at Balaclava. There is also the bloodstained sash that General Moore wore at Corunna. My father was also fascinated by the collection of muskets and weapons going back through the ages.
    Well worth a visit.
    Cheers
    Simon

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  14. Great stuff, Lee. Thanks very much for posting the photos. It looks ilke you had a great time.

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  15. Cool photos! Pity I am on the wrong side of the planet to visit!

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