Royal Museums Greenwich June Newsletter

Help us commemorate one of the largest conflicts in history 2014 is the centenary of the First World War. We will be marking the anniversary of this world-changing event with a series of integrated exhibitions and talks that will uncover some of the lesser-known stories of the First World War at sea. The horrors of the Western Front have long dominated our understanding of this conflict but our efforts at commemoration will instead focus on the experience of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy. They undertook vital work maintaining supply routes, engaged in large-scale naval battles and faced the problem of the very first and now infamous U-boat campaign. For a full list of exhibitions, collections and related material that will help us mark the centenary see our website. Forgotten Fighters  The First World War at Sea Opening 2 August A free exhibition exploring the maritime dimensions of the First World War. Drawing on our collection it will open up the personal stories of naval conflict, using a wide range of objects to tell the story of those involved.     Loss of HMS Amphion Maritime Lecture Series 5 June Catch the final lecture in a fascinating series exploring the themes of war and memory. Andrew Choong, our Curator of Historic Photographs and Ship Plans, will shine light on this event using our extensive collection. Tickets on sale now.   War and Memory  A personal story of commemoration Until 14 November Continuing our discussion of the First World War, the latest exhibition in our contemporary arts programme features work by the acclaimed artist Rozanne Hawksley. Both poignant and powerful, it is a personal story of her attempt to understand the impact of war and the nature of commemoration.     War Artists at Sea Striking artwork of war at sea Until February 2015 Showcasing the very best from our collection of First and Second World War art, this exhibition includes visually arresting depictions of events at home and the front and scenes of everyday life. Commemoration, instruction, documentation or propaganda?  War art went far beyond the simple recording of events.   Longitude Punk’d Art meets science, fact meets fiction Steampunk artists have taken over the Time Galleries at the Royal Observatory. Combining specially commissioned pieces with a witty reinterpretation of our own collection, they create a fabulously inventive narrative that tells their own story of the 18th-century quest for longitude.    Sci-Fi at the Observatory The Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec 26 June Set in a fictional early 20th century, this 2010 Luc Besson steampunk movie follows the Egyptian adventures of authoress Adèle Blanc-Sec. Includes an introduction by the Vice-Chair of the Egypt Exploration Society.   Family Fun: ship hats Join us this weekend 7-8 June Come aboard the world-famous Cutty Sarkthis weekend for some great kid’s activities. You can build a spectacular ship hat to take on your seafaring adventures. Also meet a character from the past who'll bring our history to life.  The BP exhibition Vikings: life and legend at the British Museum. Final weeks – Closes 22 June 2014 Discover the Viking world in this major exhibition – the first at the British Museum for over 30 years. Swords and axes, coins and jewellery, hoards, amulets and religious images show how Vikings created an international network connecting cultures over four continents. Supported by BP.