Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Battle of Bosworth Field, 22nd August 1485,

Many years ago when visiting Bosworth Field, maybe mid 1980's, I purchased a print of the heraldry of the participants. It looks like it may have been copied from a water colour original by the artist Peter Russell, dated 1981. It may have been commissioned in anticipation of the 500th anniversary of the battle, and just as the battlefield restoration was in full swing with the new museum and visitor's center and flags on the battlefield.

Anyway, the Perry's new Wars of the Roses 28mm figures in plastic and metal have me thinking a lot about heraldry and badges of the principal participants. The print is somewhat fanciful with a mix of gothic armour and armour for the joust. However I thought this might be useful for modelers wishing to paint the tabards and coats of their figures in heraldry. The new Foot Knights set in particular allow this with several new models.

Anyway, with thanks to Peter Russell for this poster which I have kept on various walls for over 40 years, here are some photos of his work.