Sussex Yeomanry Association loans military painting to Mid Sussex District Council

The painting was formally presented by Colonel David Stevens, OBE, TD, DL and President of the Sussex Yeomanry Association on Friday 28 February 2014. The work of art was accepted on behalf of the local authority by Councillor Gordon Marples, Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council.

The work by British watercolour artist George Bryant Campion (1796-1870) can now be viewed in the Member’s Lounge, a public area of Mid Sussex District Council that residents walk through on their way to Council meetings.

Entitled ‘Forcing a River Under Heavy Fire’, the Campion piece was painted circa 1860 while the artist was Drawing Master at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich and depicts a battle from the Crimean War. The painting was formerly hung in the Officers’ Mess at the Dyke Road Territorial Army Centre in Brighton.
“On behalf of Mid Sussex District Council I’m honoured to accept the long-term loan of this wonderful painting,” said Councillor Gordon Marples, Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council.

“It is such a thoughtful gesture by the Sussex Yeomanry Association to offer to share this painting with a wider audience.

“I hope people stop and take a look at the painting when they visit Mid Sussex District Council because it really is a fine example of 19th Century watercolour painting.” 
Colonel David Stevens, OBE, TD, DL and President of the Sussex Yeomanry Association said: “The Association is delighted that it will be possible for Councillors and members of the public to see this painting, which depicts an important era in Britain’s military history.”