002 - Sea and Veldt

Dive into the vivid world of the second Boer War through the eyes of Australian expatriate artist Mortimer Menpes. As a correspondent for the London weekly Black and White magazine, Menpes not only showcased his artistic prowess with 99 stunning watercolours in his book, War Impressions, but also captivated readers with his engaging storytelling. His unique perspective offers a glimpse into the lives of key military leaders and notable figures like Cecil Rhodes, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Rudyard Kipling, all while painting a picture of life behind the British lines. Although he witnessed little combat, Menpess art and anecdotes provide valuable insights into the true essence of the Boer War. Notably, War Impressions marks the beginning of A. & C. Blacks renowned series of colour books, where Menpes utilized the innovative Henschel colourtype process to elevate the quality of art reproductions. The text was transcribed by his then-14-year-old daughter, Dorothy, who later accompanied her father on his artistic adventures, co-authoring six additional titles in this celebrated series. - Summary by Phil Benson