JP Beadle’s Gheluvelt painting, created in 1920 to commemorate the Battle of Gheluvelt, is the first major artwork to be moved to a new location as the Worcestershire Soldier Gallery counts down to its closure on Sunday 31 August.

Dr John Paddock, Curator of the Mercian Regiment Museum said: “The Gheluvelt painting’s move marks the final days to closure of the current Worcestershire Soldier Gallery. 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. 

“In the meantime we urge people to head to the current exhibition and take a look at their favourite objects, paintings, weaponry and uniforms before our specialists condition check and pack the collection to safely store it until we can create our new exhibition at The Commandery.”

The Gheluvelt painting, bought by the 2nd Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment, commemorates 31 October 1914, the day ‘The Worcester’s saved the Empire’. In order to create the painting Beadle exchanged correspondence with the surviving members of 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment so he could understand who was present, where events took place and details of uniforms and weaponry.

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” saying that “people are 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.”

The Gheluvelt painting will move permanently to The Guildhall in Worcester and will be on display in the main staircase from 26 August 2025.

The current exhibition at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum will close on 31 August, open Tuesday -Saturday, 10am – 4pm, and Sunday, 10am - 3pm. The Worcestershire Soldier at the Commandery will see the creation of a brand-new exhibition of Worcester’s regimental displays. This exhibition will secure the future of the gallery as well as bring the Worcestershire Soldier’s story into the heart of Worcester’s heritage quarter. In doing so this provides an opportunity to redevelop the current displays, which have been in place for over twenty years. It is anticipated that the new galleries will open in early 2028.

The Worcestershire Soldier at The Commandery, funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund will create an engaging and educational space that celebrates the rich military history of Worcestershire, with a focus on the experience of its soldiers. The project has also received generous support from the UK Government’s Townsfund.

For more information about The Worcestershire Soldier at The Commandery and to find out how you can engage with the collections during the closure visit the website and follow Worcestershire Regiment Museum, Worcester Yeomanry and Worcester Regiments.