Essential Information
| Type | Talks and tours |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and Times | 12-14 January 2024 | 10.30am-5pm |
| Prices | Free |
Hailed as a 'first-rate exhibition' by The Daily Telegraph, our special exhibition The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea is closing its doors on 14 January 2024.
To mark the final days of the show, join our series of free tours and talks to uncover the life, times and legacy of the celebrated marine artists.
Set sail for Greenwich, and experience the art of the Van de Veldes.
Event programme
Friday 12 January
Gallery Talk: Kehinde Wiley and Ship of Fools
10.30am and 3.15pm, Governor’s Parlour
A world-renowned visual artist, Kehinde Wiley is best known for his paintings that reimagine western art traditions.
This free talk will explore the different aspects of his work, Ship of Fools. This powerful marine painting explores themes including migration and the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade.
The work is part of Royal Museums Greenwich’s permanent collection and is on display in the Queen’s House.
The Van de Veldes Highlights Tour
11.30am and 3.45pm, starting in the Great Hall
This guided tour uncovers the story of Dutch artists, Willem van de Velde the Elder and Younger.
Find out about their artistic career, their time working in the Queen's House and their influence on British marine art.
- Suitability: This tour is suitable for ages 12+.
- Tour size: The tour has a capacity of 20 people. Wristbands can be collected on the day from the admissions desk, located at the entrance of the House. Wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
- Accessibility: The tour passes through several galleries located on different floors of the House. Step-free access is available via lift and access ramps.
Saturday 13 January
Art Workshop
11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, Undercroft
Come and join our free drop-in drawing workshop, which explores the techniques used by the marine artists, Willem van de Velde the Elder and Younger.
Please be aware that this event has a maximum capacity of 12 people.
Gallery Talk: The Escape of Charles II
12pm and 1.15pm, King’s Anteroom
After the Battle of Worcester in 1651, Charles II spent the next few weeks avoiding capture to escape the country.
This free talk recounts the dramatic events which led to the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.
The Van de Veldes Highlights Tour
11.15am and 3.15pm, starting in the Great Hall
This guided tour uncovers the story of Dutch artists, Willem van de Velde the Elder and Younger.
Find out about their artistic career, their time working in the Queen's House and their influence on British marine art.
- Suitability: This tour is suitable for ages 12+.
- Tour size: The tour has a capacity of 20 people. Wristbands can be collected on the day from the admissions desk, located at the entrance of the House. Wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
- Accessibility: The tour passes through several galleries located on different floors of the House. Step-free access is available via lift and access ramps.
Sunday 14 January
Art Workshop
11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm, Undercroft
Come and join our free drop-in drawing workshop, which explores images of boats and ships.
Please be aware that this event has a maximum capacity of 12 people.
Gallery Talk: The Escape of Charles II
12pm and 1.15pm, King’s Anteroom
After the Battle of Worcester in 1651, Charles II spent the next few weeks avoiding capture to escape the country.
This free talk recounts the dramatic events which led to the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.
The Van de Veldes Highlights Tour
11.15am and 3.15pm, starting in the Great Hall
This guided tour uncovers the story of Dutch artists, Willem van de Velde the Elder and Younger.
Find out about their artistic career, their time working in the Queen's House and their influence on British marine art.
- Suitability: This tour is suitable for ages 12+.
- Tour size: The tour has a capacity of 20 people. Wristbands can be collected on the day from the admissions desk, located at the entrance of the House. Wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
- Accessibility: The tour passes through several galleries located on different floors of the House. Step-free access is available via lift and access ramps.
![The Sailor [Maurice Alan Easton] - Cropped](/sites/default/files/styles/card_no_alt/public/2025-04/Image%20-%20The%20sailor%203.JPG?itok=T1UowupH)
