News Archive 2008

Leading maritime artist Geoff Hunt works on a new masterpiece to mark the 500th anniversary of the Mary Rose.

While President of the Royal Society of Marine Artists, Geoff Hunt visited the Mary Rose and became intrigued by the story of this ship, which heralded the building of King Henry VIII's navy. Built in 1509, she was at the forefront of naval technology and served as a flagship until she sank in 1545 off Southsea? in a battle with the French fleet?. Geoff then studied the ship in great detail, exploring the outer side to get a close up view of the hull before embarking on a major painting. (The photographs show him in protective overalls and breathing apparatus sketching inside the 'hotbox' where the conservation is taking place.)  His research has included detailed study of the contemporary illustrations of Henry’s navy and much time talking to the archaeologists who were involved in raising the hull and then studying it while it undergoes conservation. Some measure of the painstaking study is the fact that Geoff spent a staggering 113 hours or more of preparatory work before he even lifted his brushes!

Many new facts have come to light over the 26 years since the Mary Rose was lifted and Geoff's picture incorporates the new thoughts on her size, shape and sailing characteristics. His experienced eye will contribute an invaluable new interpretation of this remarkable ship.

Geoff Hunt is one of the world's finest painters of 18th and 19th century ships. Through his research for paintings he is a leading authority on naval history and ship architecture of that period and beyond. He is mid way through working on the painting and is pictured here in his studio at the beginning of December. The painting should be complete in the New Year and will first be exhibited at the major exhibition on the Mary Rose which opens at Whitgift School, Croydon, in April 2009. It commemorates the 500th anniversary of the building of the ship.

John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust said: "I am enormously excited to have such a renowned artist involved with the Mary Rose. His work is outstanding and I know we are going to have a masterpiece next year that befits this great ship, the flagship of King Henry VIII."

8 Dec 2008

Science Success for the Mary Rose at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has been awarded the prestigious Ruth Borthwick Prize for Excellence in Science Education in Museums. The Museum scooped the £500 first prize in the regional competition. Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery and the Museum of Reading were Highly Commended.

The award which is funded by Renaissance South East, was open to all members of Science Links in Museum Education South East.  It is dedicated to the memory of Ruth Borthwick who was Science Education Officer at SEARCH in Gosport. The prize was awarded by Ruth’s brother, Richard, at a ceremony in the River & Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames.

The Mary Rose entry entitled ‘Science meets Tudor History: the Mary Rose Barber Surgeon’ revolves around real and replica artefacts relating to the barber-surgeon. The collection offers a unique insight into the medicine in the Tudor period.  The project features new workshops for Key Stage 3 History and GCSE History of Medicine. After studying the evidence in the context of the medical renaissance, pupils role play the barber-surgeon and his patients. Recommended treatments must be based on the evidence from the Mary Rose.  Great fun is had by all!  Family and adult learning sessions also take a lively, practical approach.  The judges commented that ‘they have created an experience which works for all audiences’. They described the project as ‘hugely creative.’ Head of Learning, Mary Kinoulty, commented, ‘We were delighted to win this award. The work which we are doing on the barber-surgeon appeals to all ages. It shows how history and science can combine in fun and interesting ways.’

21 Nov 2008

New Thoughts on the Sinking of the Mary Rose

The Mary Rose Trust welcomes the new documentary “What Really Sank the Mary Rose” which will be screened on the History Channel on November 24th at 9pm.  It gives weight to one early story that King Henry VIII’s favourite flagship, the Mary Rose, sank through damage received from a shot from a French ship.  Certainly the ship sank while in action against a huge French invasion fleet, just off Southsea Castle in July 1545.  Many theories exist as to why she capsized that day, from a simple tale of too much top weight to having an uncontrollable crew.  Recently, another documentary claimed that many of the crew might have been Spanish and therefore unable to understand the commands of the Captain.  This new theory emerged from recent scientific analysis of a small number of the human remains from the wreck.

The latest documentary gives greater credence to a contemporary French account of the sinking where it was reported that she was sunk by their gunfire.  Certainly just one canon ball found on the Mary Rose appears to be of French origin and the only contemporary picture of the battle shows French owned galleys firing their large canon.

The Mary Rose Trust is always pleased to explore new theories.  Christopher Dobbs, archaeologist at the Mary Rose museum added: “As archaeologists, we have studied the remaining evidence from the ship.  But as we have nothing left of the port side, it is helpful for people from other fields to contribute their own theories and ideas”.  John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Trust, added: “We have much to learn about the Mary Rose and this is an interesting dimension that shows what an exciting detective story is still underway.  As our research continues, I have no doubt that there will be further theories coming forward in the future.”

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17 Nov 2008

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