Black Watch Foreign Service Helmet: Painting Project
This painting project focuses on the recognizable shape and insignia of a Black Watch Royal Highlanders Foreign Service helmet. The photographs and studies invite a closer look at the original object and the artist's interpretation of its details.
New project, Foreign Service Helmet, Black Watch Royal Highlanders. This is similar to the Sun Helmet displayed in the film Zulu. These white helmets were later changed to a Khaki version, and the white one was discontinued for combat use. This image is of the completed painting.
Michael Caine’s 1964 breakthrough film, Zulu, depicts the 1879 Battle of Rorke's Drift. While the regiment is heavily portrayed as Welsh in the movie, it was historically the 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, and the men actually consisted largely of English, Welsh, and Irish soldiers.
Above is a photograph of the helmet with the Black Watch Insignia.
Below are two examples of Victorian helmet "plates" of 24th Regiment of Foot (2nd Warwickshire)
Above is an example of a British Naval Sun Helmet dated "1917" on the underside of the strap. It is khaki with a blue band to denote the "Navy"
Below is the current work in progress:
Related reading and artwork: Explore the Black Watch Foreign Service Helmet art print; Read the British Foreign Service helmet history.
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