Artist in Residence, Rorke’s Drift, 2003

Jeremy Houghton’s Artistic Exploration of the Anglo-Zulu Wars: From Rorke’s Drift to the Heart of British History. 

Jeremy Houghton’s foray into creating a narrative through art began with a deeply personal and historic exploration of the Anglo-Zulu War, a subject that not only captivated his artistic imagination but also intertwined his British roots with a profound engagement with South African history. This body of work, which marked what could be considered Jeremy’s first true residency, was the beginning of his ability to use a series of paintings and drawings to tell a compelling, layered story—a hallmark of his later royal commissions. The unique and profound story of the battles of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana, which took place in 1879 during the Anglo-Zulu War, served as both an artistic challenge and an emotional journey for Houghton. These battles, one of the most iconic and dramatic military engagements in British history, remain as potent symbols of heroism, tragedy, and colonial legacy, and they provided Jeremy with an opportunity to delve deep into a defining moment that still resonates within both British and South African consciousness.

The Battle of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana: A Historic Crossroad

The battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are etched into the annals of British military history not just because of their tactical significance but because of their enduring legacy in the collective memory of the British Empire and its former colonies. The defeat of Lord Chelmsford’s forces at Isandlwana, where the Zulu army overwhelmed the British with overwhelming force and tactical ingenuity, is widely considered one of the most catastrophic defeats in British colonial military history. In stark contrast, the heroic defense at Rorke’s Drift, a small outpost where a garrison of fewer than 150 British soldiers famously withstood a brutal attack by several thousand Zulu warriors, became a symbol of British grit and determination, earning the soldiers stationed there an unprecedented 11 Victoria Crosses—an extraordinary number for a single action, which remains unmatched to this day.

The fame of Rorke’s Drift was further cemented in 1964 with the release of the film Zulu, starring Michael Caine in one of his most iconic roles. The film dramatized the heroism and the gallantry of the British soldiers, immortalizing the battle as a defining example of imperial courage. However, the film also sheds light on the complexity and humanity of the battle, offering a window into both the bravery of the defenders and the devastating consequences of imperial warfare. The legacy of the battle and its connection to the Victoria Cross, one of the highest military honors, imbue the events at Rorke’s Drift with a level of historical significance and emotion that goes beyond mere military engagement. For Jeremy Houghton, exploring these themes through art was a deeply personal journey—one that required not only a technical exploration of the battlefields themselves but also a deep understanding of the emotional and historical reverberations of the conflict.

Jeremy’s Artistic Residency in South Africa: From Cape Town to Fugitives Drift

In 2003 and 2004, Jeremy Houghton, who had spent a number of years living in Cape Town (2000-2005) teaching art, began an immersive artistic residency in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. This period of his life marked a turning point in his career. During his time in South Africa, Jeremy was invited by renowned historian David Rattray to stay at Fugitives Drift, a guest lodge located between the historic battlefields of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. It was here that Jeremy began a series of powerful drawings depicting the Zulu people who lived in the area between these two iconic locations. His drawings, created with a simple Bic biro ballpoint pen—the same implement used by local children in the rural schools funded by the state—became a striking visual testament to the continued presence of the Zulu community in a region profoundly shaped by these military conflicts.

These pen drawings were both a tribute to the historical significance of the land and a portrait of the contemporary lives of those who now inhabit it. Jeremy’s use of a ballpoint pen, a modest tool for capturing the complex historical and cultural layers of this area, became a metaphor for the ongoing conversation between the past and the present, between colonizer and colonized. The simplicity of the medium itself underscored the sincerity and humility of Jeremy’s approach, allowing him to engage directly with the subject matter while avoiding romanticization or sentimentality. His drawings brought to life not only the human connection to the land but also the ongoing resonance of the history between the Zulu and the British, making the historical more immediate and accessible.

The Zulu War and the Role of British War Artists

Jeremy’s engagement with the Zulu War fits within a long tradition of British war artists who have sought to document, interpret, and reflect upon the conflicts that shaped both British and global history. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, artists such as Lady Butler, Frank Brangwyn, and Richard Caton Woodville were commissioned to capture military history for the British public, often presenting imperial power in grand, heroic terms. Their works were intended not only to document the events but also to create a legacy of British triumphs, sometimes omitting the complexities and human cost of imperial warfare.

Houghton’s approach to the Anglo-Zulu War, however, was markedly different. While he was keenly aware of the broader narrative of British military heroism—embodied by the soldiers at Rorke’s Drift, whose valor was immortalized in the Victoria Crosses—he also sought to balance this with a more nuanced understanding of the conflict’s broader implications. Jeremy’s works, including his series on the Zulu people, serve as a rare counterpoint to the more familiar, one-sided narratives of British victory. Through his drawings and paintings, Jeremy gave voice not only to the British soldiers and their deeds but also to the people whose lands and lives had been irrevocably altered by the war.

Rob Caskie and David Rattray: Bringing the Past to Life

During his time in Kwazulu-Natal, Jeremy worked closely with historian Rob Caskie, who, like David Rattray, was instrumental in bringing the stories of the Zulu Wars back to life for contemporary audiences. Both Caskie and Rattray were renowned for their efforts to preserve the memory of these battles through historical tours, storytelling, and research, which helped illuminate the complex legacy of the Anglo-Zulu War.

David Rattray, who dedicated much of his life to preserving the memory of the Zulu Wars, spoke fondly of Jeremy’s artistic contributions to this cause. He praised Jeremy’s ability to capture the historical significance of the battles while also honoring the contemporary Zulu community. Rattray remarked, “They bring back fond memories of our time on these battlefields. Well done in bringing their stories back to life.” These words encapsulate the deep respect that Jeremy’s work commanded from those who understood the importance of remembering both sides of the conflict—an acknowledgement that Jeremy’s art was not merely about the military history but about the human stories that continue to resonate.

A New Chapter: Jeremy’s First Residency and Artistic Evolution

The series of works Jeremy created during his residency at Fugitives Drift and his exploration of the Zulu War is often regarded as the first time he truly used a body of work to tell a cohesive story. It marked a pivotal shift in his artistic approach—transforming him from a talented painter into an artist deeply engaged with history, narrative, and the broader implications of his subjects. This residency set the tone for Jeremy’s later, more high-profile commissions, where he continued to use his art to tell stories and convey deeper truths about the historical and cultural moments he encountered.

Houghton’s residency in South Africa and his engagement with the legacy of the Anglo-Zulu War remains one of the most formative and significant periods in his career. By grounding his artistic journey in the historic and contemporary lives of the Zulu people, and by intertwining the narrative of the Anglo-Zulu conflict with his own experiences, Jeremy Houghton brought to life a complex and multifaceted story—one that continues to echo in his work, offering a powerful, nuanced reflection on history, memory, and identity.

Prints are available of these pictures. Email look@jeremyhoughton for further details.