‘Unseen Waterloo: The Conflict Revisited’ is an explorative photography series by Sam Faulkner that commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. Its purpose is to capture imagery of the soldiers, as if photography had existed then.

Faulkner, who specializes in documentary-type photography, traveled to Belgium for several years for their annual reenactment of the battle. He states that scrupulous detail resulted in an incredibly historically accurate wardrobe by International stage director and design Patrick Kinmonth.

Interestingly discussed by Metro Imaging,

“The Battle of Waterloo, a landmark in European history, saw the downfall of 54,000 men on the battlefield and it is the last major battle before the invention of photography. Just over 50 years later when the American Civil War took place almost every soldier from the North or South, rich or poor, black or white was photographed before going into battle. Putting the ordinary faces of soldiers at the forefront of the country’s conscience, laying bare the human cost of conflict and truly bringing home the horrors of war.”

The exhibit features 80 life-size images on Giclée and Dibond using Metro Imaging’s Direct to Media printer. The prints are hung against a backdrop of Hainsworth fabric, creating haunting dark portraits of the men in battle.

Faulkner states, “This work attempts to claim the Battle of Waterloo for the valiant 200,000 who have been lost to history.”

Exhibit Details

Location: Terrace Rooms, Somerset House, London, WC2R1LA

Date: June 12th-August 30th 2015

Information and photography courtesy of Metro Imaging and Sam Faulkner