The Artists Rifles was a volunteer infantry regiment formed in London in 1859 to help when Britain was under threat of invasion by the French. They were founded by Edward Sterling who was studying art. Members were painters, artists, architects, musicians, actors, writers, poets - anyone with a creative streak. One of their most famous members was Wilfred Owen, who later transferred to the Manchester Regiment.
The Artists Rifles were deployed in the Boer Wars and in the First World War. During WW2 they were used as an officers' training unit before being disbanded in 1945.Source: Wikipedia and Google Images
The Regiment still exists today, having been re-formed in 1947 and its full title is now 21 Special Air Service Regiment (Artists) (Reserve).
For details of the exhibition please see the Willis Museum website: