The British Empire (2 Viewers)

[kogu]

A while ago I talked to John Firth, known as "beating retreat" here and asked him if he would take the comission to paint a collection of figures for me that should display troops of the British Empire including the Commonwealth. The covered era should be post Napoleonic and pre WWI. Fortunately he agreed and we discussed what castings are available and would be good for the chosen subject. We ended up with several manufacturers which all will be mentioned as soon I do have pictures to show the finished work.

Today was the very day where I received a parcel from the U.K. with the first figures that start my "British Empire" collection.
Let me share these "starters" with you all.

The first figure I have here is a mounted one and I find it rather unique. A rider of the all female First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, which was founded by Lord Kitchener in 1907.
The casting used here is from the BMSS (British Model Soldier Society) and displays one of the riding nurses in 1909
For a start here are three pictures that give total views from different angles.

 

[kogu]

Here I want to show some more detailed views.

 

[kogu]

The collection will not consist only of mounted figures but also include a good number of figures on foot.
Let me show you the pieces that arrived today.
First we have an officer of the Sussex Yeomanry in 1905.
Casting is from Squadron Miniatures.
Here we go.

 

[kogu]

Here is one figure from the "British in India".
An Officer of the Nawanagar State Force Lancers, 1897
Casting again by Squadron Miniatures.

 

[kogu]

And last but not least an Officer of the Ayrshire Yeomanry in Review Order from 1911
Casting by Squadron Miniatures.

 

[kogu]

Well, that was the starter-package I received today.
I am very, very pleased with these figures and here is a very big "Thank You" to beating retreat for taking the comission and for such fine work.
As the collection grows I will keep this thread updated or show them in an album.
Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Konrad (one happy collector)

 

[PolarBear]

Konrad

Splendid as expected. Christmas in November

Your commissioned collection is unique and of museum quality.

Now I know why John told me he was not accepting new commissions until next year

Randy

 

[wadepat]

Hi Konrad,

In a word, OUTSTANDING! Your new figures are both stunning and exquisite! John should be congratulated for producing such superior work and you should be congratulated for providing the means to accomplish the task as well as obtaining the figures. They make a marvelous addition to your collection!

I eagerly look forward to your next installment of figures from John. Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful art figures with us!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[Grognard]

Nice pieces indeed! Congratulations. Please post pictures of your subsequent acquisitions. Thanks for sharing!

 

[acw cavalry]

Hi Konrad,

As someone who has a leaning towards cavalry figures and all things equestrian related in my own collection, this example of a mounted female of the nursing first aid yeomanry from 1907 is truly outstanding! The texture and feeling of movement that John is able to achieve just with a brush stroke is the mark of a true master of their art. What a wonderful addition to your collection this figure is and I am sure that it will be joined by equally exquiste pieces of the mounted variety which I look forward to seeing in the coming months.

Kind Regards
Martin

 

[jazzeum]

Konrad and John,

Those figures are outstanding and wonderful work.

Konrad, did you leave it up to John to choose the figures or did you? I would be interested to hear how the project was developed by the two of you.

 

[maddadicus]

Dear Konrad and John,

Incredible figures, impeccable painting...What else can any lover of gloss say? Michael

 

[kogu]

Thanks everyone,
for the appreciative comments.
More mounted and foot figures to follow
Konrad

 

[VIRIATO]

In a word, STUNNING!

Congrats both,
Paulo

 

[GICOP]

Beautiful figures Konrad and John

Cheers

Martyn

 

[PolarBear]

Konrad

Here's one from BMSS that I hope you will have John do

Lord Roberts 1880 ("Bobs" of Kandahar and Kabul)

This is a must have for any British Empire collection

Randy

 

[kogu]

Konrad and John,

Those figures are outstanding and wonderful work.

Konrad, did you leave it up to John to choose the figures or did you? I would be interested to hear how the project was developed by the two of you.

Hi Brad,
thanks for asking. It kind of went both ways.
I did pick the first several mounted figures and many more foot figures by myself.
Then while John and me were discussing possible options, one manufacturer was mentioned and John is in touch with him right now. If we pick some of this manufacturer's castings the choice will be all by John.
As of foot figures I provided a certain amount of castings for the first couple months but to make it more exciting, I don't know which one John is going to paint for the next batch. That makes the opening of a parcel more fun
So, as the collection grows I will make my picks when a casting comes up that I really want but I will definetely leave choices for John.
If he says: Hey, I found a kit that would fit nicely in your British Empire collection, then I can rest assured that it will and I wait to find out what it is until I see the finished result
Konrad

 

[kogu]

Konrad

Here's one from BMSS that I hope you will have John do

Lord Roberts 1880 ("Bobs" of Kandahar and Kabul)

This is a must have for any British Empire collection

Randy

That is correct, Randy

 

[Scott]

First Aid Nursing Yeomanry! Beautiful figure! Great uniform. I looked up the history of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry after seeing your photo.

 

[thebritfarmer]

John has struck again!! Great painting and thanks Konrad for allowing us to view these magnificent jewels. I look forward to seeing your collection grow in the coming months.