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The Artists Rifles in Camp, 1884

The Artists Rifles in Camp, 1884


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The Artists Rifles in Camp, 1884

The Artists Rifles in Camp, 1884.Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower left Godfrey Merry 1884, by Godfrey Pitney Merry, (fl 1883-1915), 1884.In August 1884 the 20th Middlesex (Artists ) Rifle Volunteers held their camp at Aldershot. Attendance at these summer camps was voluntary and usually not very well attended, while the long Easter weekend camp was much more popular. Here the volunteers are shown preparing for drill. Some are almost ready, equipped with blanket rolls and Snider rifles, while the soldier buying fish still needs to change his fashionable, but non-regulation, two-tone shoes.Following the formation in 1859 of the Volunteer Force for national defence, the regiment was raised in 1860 as the 38th Middlesex (Artists) Rifle Volunteers. It was so-named as it was mainly composed of painters, sculptors, engravers, musicians, architects and actors. One of the first officers was Frederick (later Lord) Leighton, who was subsequently both Honorary Colonel of the regiment and President of the Royal Academy of Arts. Other famous volunteers include John Everett Millais, William Morris and Holman Hunt.In 1880 the regiment was renumbered the 20th Middlesex (Artists ) Rifle Volunteers. The following year it became a volunteer battalion of the Rifle Brigade. In 1908 it changed to the 28th (County of London) Battalion, the London Regiment (Artists? Rifles). Following a number of redesignations, in 1950 the unit became 21st Regiment Special Air Service (TA), the territorial unit of the SAS. Date: 1884

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Media ID 14394933

© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library

1883 1884 Aldershot Attendance Dated Godfrey Held Lower Merry Middlesex Rifle Rifles Signed Volunteers Artists


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The Artists Rifles in Camp, 1884

EDITORS COMMENTS
is an evocative oil painting by Godfrey Pitney Merry that captures the spirit of camaraderie and preparation among the members of the 20th Middlesex (Artists) Rifle Volunteers during their summer camp at Aldershot in 1884. The scene depicts a group of volunteers, some already dressed in full uniform and ready for drill, while others are still in the process of getting ready. One soldier is even seen buying fish, indicating that the camp life was not just about military training but also about community and shared experiences. The Artists Rifles, as they were commonly known, were formed in 1860 as part of the Volunteer Force, which was established for national defense. The regiment was mainly composed of artists, including painters, sculptors, engravers, musicians, architects, and actors. Notable volunteers included Frederick Leighton, who served as both Honorary Colonel and President of the Royal Academy of Arts, as well as John Everett Millais, William Morris, and Holman Hunt. In 1880, the regiment was renumbered as the 20th Middlesex (Artists) Rifle Volunteers, and in 1881, it became a volunteer battalion of the Rifle Brigade. Over the years, the regiment underwent several redesignations, eventually becoming the 21st Regiment Special Air Service (TA) in 1950, the territorial unit of the SAS. This painting is a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the unique blend of military discipline and artistic creativity that defined the Artists Rifles. Merry's skillful use of light and color brings the scene to life, transporting us back in time to this moment in history. The painting is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Artists Rifles, a regiment that continues to inspire and intrigue us to this day.

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