Read our blog to get the lowdown from our experts and go behind the scenes at Royal Museums Greenwich.
Portrait miniature by Bettina von Zwehl_Amran.jpg
In 2016 The National Museum of Women in the Arts asked the question ‘Can you name five women artists?’ This question kick started a global hashtag, leading people to share and champion the work of female artists. We are focusing a spotlight on five women artists whose work is on display at Royal Museums Greenwich.
Sun in Virgo (2019) (c) Susan Derges, commissioned by the National Maritime Museum, London banner.png
Susan Derges unpacks the symbolism within the Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I in her new works.
The tweed, after converted to sail
With 2019 marking the 150th birthday of the Cutty Sark, discover the story behind one of its ancestors. What part did The Tweed, an illustrious vessel in its own right, play in the Cutty Sark becoming the fastest ship of her time?
Night sky highlights - April 2019
Textile Volunteer Packing Project
Collections Storage Officer Alex Strachan and Textile Conservator Nora Meller give an insight into the work carried out with volunteers to prepare stored collections ready for relocation to the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre
NMM_Queens House Ceremony 2.jpg
Organising events at Royal Museums Greenwich means working at not just one but five world famous heritage venues, all nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each venue has its own particular identity, its own unique selling point and of course its own challenges. But what are the benefits of a unique venue?
‘Trotsky’ the bear being transferred to HMS Ajax from HMS Emperor of India in 1921
There is a long history of animals and seafarers coming together at sea. Seamen often kept cats and dogs as pets or ship’s mascots, but more exotic companions such as parrots, bears and monkeys also joined the crew. Horses, mules and even elephants were transported across the sea to be used in battle, while cattle, pigs, goats and chickens on board provided a source of fresh milk, eggs and meat.
A view of Greenwich Hospital from the river (BHC1829)
The Caird Library and Archive has hundreds of manuscripts and printed works related to Greenwich Hospital, but only one substantial collection of papers of a naval officer from his time as Treasurer of the Hospital.
Night sky highlights - March 2019
All Over Dressed
2019 will see the Cutty Sark celebrate her 150th Birthday. Traditionally, during periods of celebration, ships are dressed overall by stringing international signal flags from masthead to masthead as a form of decoration. Following this tradition the Cutty Sark have commissioned a series of new signal flags to dress the ship in her 150th year.