JP Beadle’s 1920 artwork Gheluvelt, which commemorates the 1914 Battle of Gheluvelt, is the first major piece to be relocated ahead of the Worcestershire Soldier Gallery’s closure on August 31.
The painting will be installed on the main staircase of The Guildhall in Worcester from August 26.
The painting was bought by the 2nd Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment to commemorate October 31, 1914—known as ‘the day the Worcesters saved the Empire’.
Beadle consulted surviving members of the battalion to ensure historical accuracy in depicting who was present, uniforms, weaponry, and the events of the day.
Some of the key individuals mentioned in Beadle’s letters are Captain Senhouse-Clarke, Major Hankey, Major Reddie and Captain Bowring.
Alongside creating the Gheluvelt painting, Beadle painted portraits of the officers, which he included in the painting.
In his letters he complains about making changes to Hankey and Reddie’s portraits due to inconsistencies in their descriptions of their uniforms. Several officers also sent Beadle sketches of Gheluvelt and what they remember of the event.
Unable to sell his painting to the Royal Academy, who said people are ‘tired of khaki pictures’ and ‘tired of the late war and want peaceful things’, Beadle sold his painting to the 2nd Battalion.
In his letters, Beadle said: “You know my primary object in painting the picture was patriotic, I think these deeds of our men should be handed down historically in paint as well as by every other means, and I think it deplorable that there should be any other opinion possible.”
A brand-new exhibition, The Worcestershire Soldier at the Commandery, which will redevelop the current displays, which have been in place for more than 20 years, is set to open in early 2028.
The project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the UK Government’s Townsfund.
Dr John Paddock, curator of the Mercian Regiment Museum, said: “We are delighted that the painting will remain on permanent display at The Guildhall and we look forward to seeing it in its new location.”
