The summer museum exhibition hosted by the esteemed Royal Philatelic Society London showcases an extraordinary collection of over 550 historical artefacts that bear direct relevance to the legendary Anglo-Zulu War.
This captivating exhibition features original autographs from the esteemed Zulu King Cetshwayo, the most extensive assemblage of authentic Zulu war shields in existence, genuine period red coats and helmets, and an assortment of items that offer a glimpse into the Battles of iSandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, immortalized in the iconic films Zulu and Zulu Dawn.
Situated at 15 Abchurch Lane, London, EC4N 7BW, the Royal Philatelic Society London, an ACE-accredited museum and registered charity, hosts this month-long event from the 1st to the 31st of July 2023. The exhibition warmly welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm, with admission free of charge. However, interested attendees are encouraged to secure their bookings at clashofempires.org.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, eloquently stated, “On the fertile soil of the Zulu Kingdom, one hundred and forty-four years ago, Her Britannic Majesty Queen Victoria’s valiant soldiers found themselves locked in a fierce battle with the warriors of King Cetshwayo kaMpande. This was undoubtedly a dramatic clash of empires, as the kingdom forged by the legendary King Shaka kaSenzangakhona proved far more formidable than anticipated by British society and the military.”
The invasion of the Zulu Kingdom by British and Colonial forces on January 11, 1879, marked the inception of one of the most renowned conflicts of the Victorian era. Notably, the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, which garnered worldwide attention through the critically acclaimed 1964 film Zulu, starring Sir Michael Caine, witnessed the remarkable valor of the defenders of a frontier mission post who, despite facing overwhelming Zulu attacks, were awarded a staggering eleven Victoria Crosses.
This month, the Royal Philatelic Society London unveils a public exhibition that showcases postal, historical, and cultural artifacts, delving deep into the contextual intricacies, historical significance, and enduring legacy of the captivating Clash of Empires.
The exhibition embarks on its narrative journey in the early 19th century, chronicling the rise of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona and the emergence of the mighty Zulu Kingdom, ultimately shining a spotlight on the pivotal Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.
Spanning all the way to 2019, the exhibition examines the reverberations of this war, even 140 years after its commencement. Among the treasures on display is a poignant memento of a fallen soldier, a piece of soldiers’ kit sent back home to his family after the Battle of Rorke’s Drift. Moreover, visitors can explore letters penned by Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead, the esteemed British officers who valiantly defended the battlefront. An awe-inspiring array of Zulu shields, proudly carried into battle by warriors defending their homeland against British intrusion in 1879, further enriches the collection.
The depth and expanse of this exhibition offer a rare and momentous opportunity to intimately engage with the interconnected narratives of this “dramatic piece of history,” as described by acclaimed author and historian Ian Knight. Through the lens of hundreds of meticulously curated artefacts, visitors can gain invaluable insights into this seminal historical event from both British and Zulu perspectives.
Prince Buthelezi recognizes the profound relevance of the Anglo-Zulu War and its enduring impact on future generations. He expressed his hope, saying, “As you immerse yourself in this collection, contemplating the artefacts and original letters, I trust you will experience the vivid drama, tragic undertones, and unwavering valor that are intrinsic to this shared history.”
This exceptional exhibition, aptly described as a “doorway into the past” by Prince Buthelezi, offers an immersive and enlightening experience where visitors can intimately explore the Anglo-Zulu War through an expansive display of more than 550 historical artefacts. These treasures reflect the intertwined histories of the British and Zulu nations, with special emphasis on the Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, immortalized in the renowned films Zulu (1964), starring Michael Caine, and Zulu Dawn (1979), starring Peter O’Toole.
Central to the exhibition is a magnificent pair of dioramas meticulously recreating the dramatic battles of the Anglo-Zulu War, providing visitors with an unparalleled 360-degree perspective of these historic encounters.
Historian Ian Knight aptly summarizes the significance of this exhibition, stating, “Undoubtedly, this is the most significant exhibition of its kind, singularly focusing on a singular conflict, offering an unparalleled array of physical artifacts directly associated with the Anglo-Zulu War and delving into both the British and Zulu narratives.”
Immerse yourself in the Clash of Empires exhibition, uncovering the rich tapestry of a shared history that unfolds within these hallowed halls.
