Antiques Expert Examines the Mary Rose Collection
The Mary Rose is one of England’s iconic historical finds and her vast collection of 19,000 artefacts proved too irresistible for Antiques Roadshow expert John Bly, as he paid a special visit to the collection at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard last week.
Whilst being shown around the Mary Rose Museum, John commented: “The Mary Rose Museum is the closest thing to time-travel I have ever experienced. Tudor life surrounds you and welcomes you in. The display of these unique historical artefacts is so thoughtfully organised as to be captivating, informative and enjoyable for every age group, whether novice or knowledgeable.”
Staff at the Mary Rose Trust then showed John around the reserve collection, where he examined various artefacts and even helped with some suggestions on the as-yet unidentified objects.
The current museum houses just a fraction of the extraordinary finds recovered with the wreck of the Mary Rose, that have never been on display in Portsmouth simply because there has not been the room. Although as Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust, John Lippiett, explains: “All that is set to change with the building of a new permanent Mary Rose museum, bringing together the remains of the ship itself with the majority of her artefacts, displayed at last in their historic context.”
Over 1000 original Tudor artefacts are currently on display to visitors including ‘Hatch’ – the dog found on board, clothing, jewellery, personal possessions, money, domestic utensils, furniture, musical instruments, medical equipment, navigational apparatus, weapons, tools, rigging and wood from the ship.
Having been nationally recognised as a ‘Family Friendly Museum’, this attraction is a must-see in its own right and although the Ship Hall housing the hull of the Mary Rose is currently closed to allow the new museum construction to continue, the current museum remains open as usual with a unique exhibition that is being continually improved to enhance the experience of its many thousands of visitors.
The Mary Rose sank in 1545 in the Battle of the Solent. She was raised in 1982 with her artefact collection presenting a unique time capsule and one of the world’s most precious heritage icons.
The Mary Rose 500 Appeal is fundraising to give the Mary Rose a permanent home. To find out more about the appeal to secure the building of the new Mary Rose Museum to open in 2012 - visit www.maryrose500.org
