John Wheatley: A Pioneer of War Art and Impressionistic Portraiture John Laviers Wheatley ARA (1892–1955) stands as a significant figure in British art history, recognized primarily for his contributions to war art during the First and Second World Wars alongside his distinguished career as an educator and museum director. Born in Abergavenny, Wales, he descended from a family steeped in academic tradition – his father, Sir Zachariah Wheatley, was a former mayor of the town and held positions at Oxford University. This upbringing instilled in Wheatley a lifelong passion for learning and arti…