No.1 Smithery
No.1 Smithery is a new cultural venue and centre for world-class maritime collections at the heart of the Historic Dockyard, Chatham. The project is the result of a unique partnership between the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, the National Maritime Museum (NMM) and the Imperial War Museum (IWM), bringing together magnificent maritime models, art and other artefacts, all within a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Compelling stories are also told in the new No.1 Smithery permanent galleries.
The King’s Dockyard gallery
The King’s Dockyard examines the development of Chatham Dockyard in the later 18th century. The centrepiece is a large topographical model of the site as it appeared in 1774 (SLR2151), originally made as one of a set for King George III to stimulate his interest in naval matters.
Video preview of King's Dockyard interactive courtesy of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust.
National Museums' Maritime Treasures gallery
This gallery examines six unique models in detail – the treasures of the gallery – explaining their social, cultural, and historical significance with a wealth of supporting artefacts. Each model has a special story to tell, from (SLR2902) Trinity House keeper George Knott’s model of the fourth Eddystone Lighthouse, which divides at each floor level like a doll’s house, to the accomplished SLR0640 Napoleonic prisoner-of-war model of Nelson’s Victory, made entirely from materials that these prisoners had to hand – bones, off-cuts of wood, straw and human hair.
Collections Research Area
From 12 May 2011 more than 3000 objects will be housed in purpose-built storage at No.1 Smithery, uniting the great majority of the National Maritime Museum and Imperial War Museum ship-model collections. A dedicated Collections Research Area will be available for those interested in exploring these magnificent collections further.
Ship models collection
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The National Maritime Museum holds the world’s largest collection of ship models. Many models are on display at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich as well as featuring in its temporary exhibitions. No.1 Smithery enhances access to the NMM’s model collection through its new displays, stores and research facilities. The NMM’s new purpose-built stores at No.1 Smithery are designed for sustainability and ensure the collection’s long-term preservation.
Glass viewing walls and windows within the No.1 Smithery public areas enable visitors to see into one of the collections storerooms and the items held in the Collections Research Area itself.
Those who wish to view the ship models from the stored collections in more detail can arrange to do so through the Collections Research Area.