The Mary Rose – a Behind The Scenes tour for Candis Magazine

The Mary Rose – a Behind The Scenes tour for Candis Magazine

In 1979 excavation work began on bringing to the surface King Henry VIII’s 16th-century Tudor warship The Mary Rose, which sank into the depths of The Solent more than 450 years ago. We are now able to visit and enjoy the ship and its contents which have been lovingly restored, reconstructed and housed in this breathtaking museum located in Portsmouth.

I was sent to the Mary Rose to carry out a Behind The Scenes set of photos for Candis Magazine. You might have seen my recent set of images for Candis from Trill Farm in Axminster, well this brief couldn’t have been much more different.

We spent the day visiting the various parts of the museum, here we see some of the items which were found on the ship, as well as the skeleton of the ship’s dog – named Hatch due to the location of where the skeleton was found.

It was a real pleasure to meet one of the original divers who brought the Mary Rose to the surface all those years ago, Chris Dobbs (seen below in the orange overalls) had just graduated from college when he started working with the ship. We also see David Pearson, the conservation manager, checking on the artefacts which his team restore, some of which are then used for general display.

It was exciting to see up close a cannonball from the ship, these were worked on whilst at sea and made smooth ready for battle. The stones shown below would have been from the kitchen’s stove area.

Collections Officer Simon Ware showed us the private collections which are too delicate for public display. Below we see longbows and arrows which were beautifully preserved as they were stored in chests on the ship. Mary and Charlie from the education department showed me the replica items which are used to allow people to get closer feel for what life might have been like.

Visitors to the museum may not realise what goes on behind the scenes, too. The museum needs to be kept at a constant temperature with the correct amount of moisture. Brian Robinson checks on these levels. Also below we see the gigantic task of cleaning slides and transferring to digital to be saved for future generations.

A wonderful day looking around a genuine wonder – I highly recommend visiting. Thanks to the Mary Rose for giving us such amazing access to all areas, and thanks also to Candis for sending me!

Candis is a monthly women’s magazine, for more information do visit their website.

I’ve prepared some interesting facts about the Mary Rose which you might enjoy reading, let me know in the comments below!

The Mary Rose: A Glimpse into Tudor History

The Mary Rose is one of England’s most iconic archaeological finds. Its rich history, tragic sinking, and incredible preservation efforts provide a unique window into life during the Tudor period. Beyond the fascinating historical context, the ship also offers incredible visual and photographic opportunities, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The Life and Times of the Mary Rose

Commissioned by King Henry VIII in 1510, the Mary Rose was one of the earliest purpose-built warships in the English Navy. It was a marvel of naval engineering for its time, designed to be a powerful and maneuverable warship. The vessel served in multiple campaigns over 34 years, primarily defending England’s coastline and asserting its naval dominance.

The ship carried a mix of heavy cannons and smaller guns, alongside a crew of sailors, soldiers, and gunners. It was said to be a favorite of Henry VIII, symbolising his ambition to make England a dominant maritime power.

The Tragic Sinking of the Mary Rose

On July 19, 1545, during a battle with the French fleet in the Solent near Portsmouth, disaster struck. The Mary Rose capsized and sank, taking an estimated 500 men with her. While the exact cause remains debated, theories include overloading, a design flaw, or a sudden gust of wind catching the sails during a sharp turn.

The loss was devastating for Henry VIII and remains one of the most significant maritime tragedies in British history. For centuries, the ship lay buried under layers of silt, preserving much of its structure and the artifacts aboard.

Rediscovery and Salvage: A Photographic Challenge

In 1982, the Mary Rose was raised from the seabed in a groundbreaking archaeological project. The moment was televised globally, capturing the world’s imagination. This marked the beginning of a decades-long process of conservation and research.

Photography played a crucial role throughout this process. From documenting the ship’s excavation to showcasing recovered artifacts, images have allowed experts and the public to appreciate the scale of the operation. Underwater photography was particularly challenging due to poor visibility, but it provided invaluable insights into the ship’s condition and surroundings.

A Treasure Trove of Artifacts

The Mary Rose was not just a ship; it was a floating community. The artifacts recovered include weapons, tools, personal belongings, and even games. These items provide a snapshot of Tudor life, offering details about clothing, diet, and leisure activities.

For photographers, these artifacts present an exciting opportunity to capture the textures, craftsmanship, and history they represent. Macro photography, in particular, can highlight intricate details on items such as combs, coins, or wooden carvings.

The Mary Rose Museum: A Feast for the Eyes

Today, the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth showcases the ship and its artifacts in an engaging and visually stunning manner. The hull is preserved in a purpose-built gallery, with artifacts displayed alongside to recreate scenes from life aboard. The museum’s design incorporates dramatic lighting and glass walls, making it a dream location for photography enthusiasts.

Photographers visiting the museum can experiment with angles and compositions to capture the ship’s scale and the intricacy of the exhibits. The lighting enhances the wood’s texture and the artifacts’ details, offering a wealth of creative possibilities.

Tudor Innovation: A Closer Look

The Mary Rose was a testament to Tudor innovation. Its design included technological advancements such as gun ports near the waterline for greater firepower and a clinker-built hull for enhanced durability. These features made the Mary Rose a formidable force in its prime.

For photographers interested in documenting engineering marvels, capturing these design details is a rewarding experience. Close-ups of the ship’s structure, whether the preserved wood or recreated models, highlight the craftsmanship of Tudor shipbuilders.

The Human Stories Behind the Ship

While the Mary Rose is a historical artifact, it is also a poignant reminder of the lives lost. The remains of over 90 crew members have been recovered, providing clues about their age, health, and occupations. DNA analysis and facial reconstructions have even brought some of these individuals to life in a strikingly personal way.

Photographs of these reconstructions and skeletal remains tell a deeply human story. They connect us to the past and invite us to reflect on the lives of those who sailed on this ill-fated ship.

Challenges in Preserving the Mary Rose

Preserving the Mary Rose has been a monumental task. For years after its recovery, the ship was sprayed with a water-soluble wax to prevent the wood from drying out and deteriorating. Today, it is kept in a carefully controlled environment with precise humidity and temperature.

Photography has been integral in documenting the preservation process. Time-lapse images, for instance, capture the transformation of the hull during treatment, illustrating the dedication and expertise required to save this remarkable piece of history.

Modern Connections and Inspiration

The Mary Rose continues to inspire. Artists, writers, and photographers alike draw from its history to create works that resonate with contemporary audiences. It serves as a reminder of human ingenuity and the fragility of life.

Photographers visiting the museum or participating in projects related to the Mary Rose have the opportunity to connect with history in a tangible way. By framing this iconic ship and its artifacts, they contribute to its enduring legacy.

Interesting Facts About the Mary Rose

1. King Henry VIII’s Favorite Ship: The Mary Rose was one of the first ships Henry VIII commissioned and reportedly his favorite.
2. A Multinational Crew: The ship’s crew included individuals from England, Spain, and Italy, showcasing the global nature of Tudor seafaring.
3. Preservation by Mud: The Solent’s silt acted as a natural preservative, protecting much of the ship and its contents from decay.
4. Unique Finds: Artifacts include a dog’s skeleton, identified as the ship’s mascot, and a backgammon board, revealing life aboard wasn’t all work.
5. Medical Marvels: The ship’s surgeon’s chest contained tools and medicines that provide insights into Tudor-era medical practices.
6. The Mary Rose and Photography: The first underwater photographs of the wreck were taken in the 1960s, playing a crucial role in its eventual recovery.
7. A Watery Grave: Around 19,000 artifacts were recovered from the site, each telling its own story.
8. Iconic Raise: The moment the Mary Rose was lifted from the seabed in 1982 was broadcast live, watched by millions worldwide.
9. Photographic Exhibitions: The Mary Rose Museum often hosts photography competitions, inviting visitors to capture the ship in unique ways.
10. A Piece of History: Visiting the museum is like stepping into a time capsule, offering a sensory experience that combines sight, sound, and touch.

By weaving photography into the narrative of the Mary Rose, this incredible story continues to captivate and educate generations. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or both, this iconic ship has something for everyone.