'Life at Sea' tells the extraordinary story of Britain as a nation of seafarers. On now at the National Maritime Museum until April 23 2006, it showcases the rich maritime collections held by the UK's libraries, museums and archives, providing a glimpse into the experiences and achievements of people who live, work and relax at sea.
The exhibition is the first joint initiative by the Maritime Curators Group (MCG) and UK Maritime Collections Strategy (UKMCS). It was devised by Aberdeen Maritime Museum and further developed by a group of 13 museums across Britain, each of which have lent a selection of objects that reflect the nature and scope of their maritime collections.
“The initiative of Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a classic example of the innovation and enterprise that exists in museums across the UK,” said Director of the National Maritime Museum, Roy Clare.
“We in Greenwich have been strongly supportive of the Life at Sea exhibition since its inception and we are now delighted to welcome it to London.”
'Life at Sea' touches upon a diverse range of subjects and themes relating to the maritime sector: from the experiences of fishermen who work the British coastline to men and women of the Royal Navy who defend peace and security around the world.
The exhibition looks at hardships faced by British explorers travelling in hostile environments, the luxuries experienced by pleasure-seekers on cruise ships in the 21st century, and looks at the impact of the sea upon our economy and communities around the UK.
'Life at Sea' features more than 120 objects from collections across the UK. Among the highlights: a gold pocket watch presented to First Mate George Morgan who took command of the Rifleman after the grisly murder of her captain; a tin fiddle made by a fisherman frustrated by the effect of the sea on traditional wooden instruments; a piece of shrapnel recovered from the deck of HMS Colossus, the first vessel to be hit in the Battle of Jutland; and an empty soup tin taken on John Franklin's final expedition which may have unwittingly contributed to the death of the crew.
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF, England
T: 020 8858 4422
Open: Daily, 10.00-17.00
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
From 3 May–31 August 2008, the Royal Observatory courtyard will remain open until 8pm.
Closed: All three sites close early on 31 December and open late on 1 January and on the occasion of the London Marathon each year.
