The British Army is a diverse and proud organisation with a cherished heritage. ‘Soldiery’, both as a portraiture exhibition and subsequent book, has been a project that focused on historically documenting the modern British Military in a contemporary reflection, of historical portraiture of days gone by.
Professional Portraitist Rory Lewis has collaborated closely with the Army in a busy schedule of hundreds of military portrait sittings. The results feature the Army’s Leaders and Soldiers from a range of iconic regiments. Each depicts the unique identity of the regiment and rank. Rory’s initial aim was both historic and ambitious, and he has succeeded in creating an exhibition and book of the project.
Soldiery, as a portrait project, was a labour of dedication for two years. Rory visited 23 geographically and diverse regiments. For a history and military enthusiast, this project has combined passion and artistry and allowed for a unique experience travelling the country from Fort George in Inverness to the Yorkshire Dales and then south to London, Andover and Aldershot. Working with the men and women of the Army, you quickly discover how diverse the military is. Through the Soldiery project, Rory has met soldiers from all over the world, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Canada and Australia.
