A captivating summer museum exhibition has been inaugurated by the Royal Philatelic Society London, featuring a remarkable collection of over 550 historical artefacts associated with the iconic Anglo-Zulu War.
This extraordinary exhibition showcases original autographs from Zulu King Cetshwayo, an extensive assemblage of authentic Zulu war shields, period red coats and helmets, and relics from the legendary Battles of iSandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, which became immortalized through the renowned films Zulu and Zulu Dawn.
The Royal Philatelic Society London, a registered charitable organization and a museum accredited by Arts Council England (ACE), presents this month-long event at 15 Abchurch Lane, London, EC4N 7BW. The exhibition will run from the 1st to the 31st of July 2023, open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Admission to the exhibition is free; however, prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their bookings at clashofempires.org.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, expressed, “On the fertile soil of the Zulu Kingdom, 144 years ago, the courageous soldiers of Her Britannic Majesty Queen Victoria engaged in battle with the warriors led by King Cetshwayo kaMpande. It was an authentic clash of empires, as the nation forged by King Shaka kaSenzangakhona proved far more formidable than the British society or military had ever anticipated.”
The invasion of the Zulu Kingdom on 11th January 1879 by British and Colonial forces ignited one of the most notable conflicts of the Victorian era. The Battle of Rorke’s Drift, in particular, captured the world’s attention and was immortalized in the 1964 film Zulu, catapulting Sir Michael Caine to stardom. It witnessed an extraordinary display of bravery as eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to defenders of a mission post, who heroically withstood an overwhelming Zulu onslaught.
This month, The Royal Philatelic Society London provides a public exhibition that presents a plethora of postal, historical, and cultural objects, delving into the context, history, and enduring legacy of this monumental Clash of Empires.
The exhibition’s narrative commences in the early 19th century, chronicling the rise of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona and the emergence of the Zulu Kingdom, while casting a spotlight on the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.
The journey extends to 2019, exploring the war’s reverberations 140 years after its commencement. Among the collection are poignant artifacts, such as a memento of a fallen soldier’s kit sent home to his family after the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, and letters penned from Zululand by Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead, the two senior British officers at the battle. Notably, the exhibition boasts a stunning array of Zulu shields, carried into battle by warriors defending their homeland against the British invasion in 1879.
This comprehensive exhibition, a true rarity, offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to delve into the intertwined stories of this “dramatic piece of history,” as aptly described by Ian Knight. It presents a significant historical event from both British and Zulu perspectives, employing hundreds of artefacts.
Prince Buthelezi acknowledges the pertinence of the Anglo-Zulu War and its profound impact on future generations, stating, “As you contemplate the artefacts and original letters in this collection, I trust you will experience the drama and tragedy, alongside the bravery and dignity, of this shared history.”
Immersive and enlightening, this unique exhibition, as Prince Buthelezi rightly accentuates, serves as a “doorway into the past,” allowing visitors to intimately explore the Anglo-Zulu War through an extensive display of more than 550 historical artefacts that highlight the intertwined history of these two nations, with a particular emphasis on the Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, immortalized in the acclaimed films Zulu (1964), featuring Michael Caine, and Zulu Dawn (1979), featuring Peter O’Toole.
At the heart of the exhibition lies a captivating pair of dioramas faithfully replicating key battles of the Anglo-Zulu War, providing visitors with a unique 360-degree perspective of the intense conflict.
Renowned author and historian Ian Knight declares, “Undoubtedly, this exhibition stands as the most significant exploration of a single conflict of this nature in modern times. It showcases the largest assortment of physical artefacts connected to the Anglo-Zulu War, while engaging profoundly with both the British and Zulu viewpoints.”
