The Van de Veldes Festival

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.

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.