Falklands War – 40th Anniversary Collection, 2022

Jeremy Houghton – The Art of War. 
Official Artist for the Falklands Conflict 40th Anniversary.

Jeremy Houghton, widely regarded as the UK’s leading artist in residence, is known for his exceptional ability to interpret and honour moments of national significance. Whether painting royalty, documenting sporting excellence, or capturing the dedication and sacrifice of military personnel, Houghton has become the go-to artist for occasions steeped in ceremony, heritage, and service. His long and illustrious history of working alongside servicemen and women across all branches of the Armed Forces has earned him a reputation for authenticity, empathy, and insight.

In 2022, the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) approached Houghton to commemorate 40 years since the Falklands War—a short but fiercely fought conflict that remains a pivotal chapter in British military history. The result was The Art of War, a compelling series of twelve paintings unveiled on 28th May 2022, exactly four decades after the conflict began. Houghton was officially appointed Artist for the Falklands Conflict 40th Anniversary.

The Falklands War, fought between April and June 1982, was prompted by Argentina’s invasion of the British overseas territory in the South Atlantic. In response, the UK launched Operation Corporate, mobilising a task force of Royal Navy vessels, ground troops, and RAF support to reclaim the islands. The conflict, lasting 74 days, saw fierce battles—most notably Mount Tumbledown, Goose Green, and San Carlos—culminating in the Argentine surrender on 14th June 1982. A total of 255 British servicemen lost their lives, alongside 649 Argentinians.

Houghton brings a deeply personal connection to the subject. In 1982, he was just eight years old, yet vividly remembers following the war through newspapers and television. His godfather served aboard HMS Hermes, the flagship of the British fleet, and Jeremy diligently compiled scrapbooks of the war’s progress—an early act of visual storytelling that would echo profoundly decades later. These original clippings became the creative inspiration for the collection.

The twelve paintings in The Art of War are stylistically distinct from Houghton’s typically luminous watercolours. Here, he deploys a sombre palette of ash greys and graphite tones, layered over vivid neon underpaintings—a visual nod to the print quality of 1980s newsprint and a symbolic contrast between memory and loss. Each work is rooted in veteran testimony, with Houghton drawing on first-hand accounts facilitated by the ABF. These include conversations with decorated figures such as Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely, who was awarded the Military Cross for his leadership during the Battle of Mount Tumbledown, and Simon Weston CBE, whose life and courage after severe burns sustained aboard RFA Sir Galahad have inspired generations.

Of particular importance to Houghton was the opportunity to depict all three branches of the Armed Forces—Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force—since the Falklands marked the first time since the Second World War that Britain’s military fought as an integrated force. This unique characteristic aligned with the artist’s long-standing interest in the interplay of motion, duty, and human resilience.

The collection was unveiled at Pangbourne College, home to the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, on the official anniversary of the war. Proceeds from the exhibition were donated to the Army Benevolent Fund, which continues to offer vital support to veterans, active service personnel, and their families.

The Art of War stands alongside Houghton’s other monumental military commissions, including his celebrated work for the RAF Centenary and his residency with the Household Cavalry, as an enduring and powerful tribute. It confirms his position among a prestigious lineage of military and royal artists—those who, like Sir Alfred Munnings or Terence Cuneo, captured the courage and pageantry of Britain’s armed services with poignancy and precision.

To view the full Falklands Collection or enquire about commissions, please [click here]