Thread by @ProfPeterDoyle

Kitchener: the enigma who became Britain’s war lord and living icon, 1914

Kitchener’s image of strength as depicted by society photographer Bassano became an icon to decorate people’s homes - as well as to persuade recalcitrants to join the army

Kitchener Kitsch became fashionable on the home front, providing a physical presence for the Secretary of State for War in everyday settings

And Kitchener was used everywhere as an example setter, as a teetotaller, and as a man loyal to the end. The Field Marshal was the highest ranking British officer to , in effect, to be killed in action (or at least while on duty). #ww1

That cold blue-eyed stare, that luxuriant moustache. Both intimidating to all encountered him. (Images of K. smiling are both rare - and strange).

Original artwork by @churchill_alex