SEvans wrote:
Is this an exhibition?
Stephen, yes, it's the new permanent naval exhibition/gallery that replaces the previous Nelson's Navy Gallery which closed for the building of the Sammy Ofer Wing.
The new gallery is supposed to open in 2013, not 2014 as it says in the article.
Devenish wrote:
Maybe I'm being too pessimistic and it might be the opposite. However, do I note a trace of the former in your post?
Kester, no, I didn't intend to imply anything negative in my choice of words - I was merely quoting from the article. I am optimistic that with that sort of budget and that much space they can create something that will really interest and inspire both the expert and the casual visitor. But they do have a very difficult balancing act to perform not just between expert and casual visitor, but also between Nelson and the Royal Navy. Even the name of the previous gallery was a travesty. To describe the Royal Navy of the time as Nelson's Navy does such disservice to the understanding of its history. I hope the new exhibition will keep Nelson in his proper context and do more to explain British naval history.
Another problem is that the glitter of objects such as gold medals and dress swords conveys nothing of life in the navy at the time. But the contrast between the lives of officers and of seamen should be an interesting theme, especially if the astonishing loyalty of the seamen can also somehow be portrayed (and pertinent to the present day as well). I believe (from second-hand comments) that there is an intention to tell the stories of some individuals in order to provide a geater feel for the time.
I hope they will also move a million miles away from the dark, funereal atmosphere of the previous gallery, with such appalling lighting that you couldn't even see the objects properly!