James Prinsep Beadle – War Artist

Battle of Neuve Chapelle

Battle of Neuve Chapelle by J.P. Beadle. Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery.

Battle of Neuve Chapelle (10 – 13 March 1915)

J.P. Beadle was an English painter who was interested in historical and military subject matters. His interests included the Peninsular War (1807 – 1814), the Boer War (1899 – 1902) and the Great War (1914 – 1918). Beadle’s painting of the opening day of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle (10 March 1915) depicts the 2nd Rifle Brigade and the 39th Garwhal Rifles clearing the town. At this time of the centenary of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle we remember the Scottish units who received Battle Honours for Neuve Chapelle and to introduce J.P. Beadle, the artist, who also painted Piper James Cleland Richardson at Regina Trench (8 October 1916) in the action that led to James receiving the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross.

Piper J.C. Richardson VC by J.P. Beadle. Officer's Mess, Royal Scots, Edinburgh.

Piper J.C. Richardson V.C. by J.P. Beadle. Officer’s Mess, Royal Scots, Edinburgh.

Battle Honor Neuve Chapelle and Scottish Units

The Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons)
Scots Guards
The Royal Scots
The Royal Scots Fusiliers
The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)*
The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
The Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
The Seaforth Highlanders
The Gordon Highlanders
The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders*

*Emblazoned on the Regimental Colours


About The Author

pferguson
Paul has worked with the Paradigm Motion Picture Company since 2009 as producer, historian and research specialist. Paul first met Casey and Ian WIlliams of Paradigm in April 2007 at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium when ceremonies were being held for the re-dedication of the Vimy Memorial, France. Paul's sensitivity to film was developed at an early age seeing his first films at RCAF Zweibrucken, Germany and Sardinia. Paul returned to Canada in 1967 and was captivated by David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Bridge on the River Kwai". Over time Paul became increasingly interested in storytelling, content development, character, direction, cinematography, narration and soundtracks. At the University of Victoria, Paul studied and compared Japanese and Australian film and became interested in Australian film maker Peter Weir and his film "Gallipoli" (1981). Paul was inspired when he learned Weir visited the beaches, ridges and ravines of the peninsula. "Gallipoli", the film, led Paul on many journeys to sites of conflict in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Malta, Hawaii, Gallipoli, North Macedonia and Salonika. When Paul first watched documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, "The Civil War", Paul understood how his own experience and insight could be effective and perhaps influential in film-making. Combining his knowledge of Museums and Archives, exhibitions and idea strategies with his film interests was a natural progression. Paul thinks like a film-maker. His passion for history and storytelling brings to Paradigm an eye (and ear) to the keen and sensitive interests of; content development, the understanding of successful and relational use of collections, imagery and voice. Like Paul's favorite actor, Peter O'Toole, Paul believes in the adage “To deepen not broaden.” While on this path Paul always remembers his grandmother whose father did not return from the Great War and how his loss shaped her life and how her experience continues to guide him.

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