| A new exhibition opening at the
National Maritime Museum in Greenwich on May 1 will feature
the greatest collection of personal items, paintings and exhibits
ever assembled on Elizabeth I.
The exhibition, sponsored by Morgan Stanley, will bring together
a wealth of paintings, manuscripts, fine art and personal
effects to illustrate Elizabeth’s fascinating story,
under the guiding hand of guest curator Dr David Starkey.
Designed to appeal to everyone interested in Elizabeth, Tudor
England, the genesis of the British empire and the history
of a nation with the sea at its heart.
A key theme will be the importance of Elizabeth’s seafaring
adventures and their role in creating wealth for the crown
through burgeoning maritime enterprise.
Director of the National Maritime Museum Roy Clare said:
“Elizabeth I was an astute ruler and patron of early
English maritime expansion.
“She stabilised England while Europe raged with ideological
conflicts, defied the might of the powerful Spanish Empire
and supported first steps in new world colonisation. We relish
the opportunity to tell the story of this remarkable woman
by staging a world-class exhibition in her birthplace, drawing
upon our own rich collections and including international
loans of exceptional quality.”
Elizabeth was born at Greenwich and spent the first months
of her life at Greenwich Palace, birthplace of Henry VIII
and now the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site.
Guest curator Dr David Starkey said: “The exhibition
will present an evocative account of a young princess who
overcame all the odds to become one of England’s most
successful monarchs.
“Many of the 340 objects to be shown at Greenwich have
never previously been displayed in public and convey the highs
and lows of Elizabeth’s dramatic life.”
The exhibition runs from May 1 to September 14 in the CP
Ships Special Exhibition Gallery. Admission will cost £9
for adults and £4 for children, with family tickets
at reduced cost available. Tickets can be booked by calling
0870 780 4552 or online at www.nmm.ac.uk/tickets |
