The Australian National Maritime Museum

In previous issues international maritime museums have been the feature so this month we’re seeing what’s closer to home. Located on the western shore of Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum was officially opened in 1991. 

The main building is an innovative, contemporary structure with the roof in a ripple design to represent three symbols of maritime- the waves, the sails and the wind. This particular museum has a unique permanent collection of 14 vessels and has one of the largest groups of full sized ships housed at the museums wharves. 

 

A popular attraction is the full-scale replica of the HMS Endeavour. The fascinating HMAS Vampire, Daring Class destroyer, 1956 is the largest museum vessel in Australia, its length measuring 118.65m (389 ft). The Daring class were the largest big gun ships to be constructed in Australia. 

 

The variety of smaller vessels on the wharves includes the Akarana, 1888 gaff cutter racing yacht which is the museum’s oldest ship. The Akarana was built in Auckland to compete in Australian regattas in 1888 and 1889. Another vessel that has an interesting history is the tugboat Bareki, 1962, was the last timber tug in service with the Maritime Services Board. Another intriguing ship is the Kathleen Gillett, 1939 ketch, is the second Australian yacht to circumnavigate the globe by Jack Earl- a founder of the Sydney- Hobart yacht race. These ships and many more are available to visit on the museum wharves. 

 

A temporary vessel on the wharves is the Dutch Jacht Duyfken, 1606, which made the first recorded European visit to the Australian continent. The ship’s commander Willem Janszoon created the first map of mainland Australia. The replica of the Duyfken was constructed in Western Australia and launched in 1999. Duyfken means “Little Dove”. On the 23 March 2011 there will be an opening talk and tour of the Duyfken starting at 6:15pm till 8pm to welcome the ship the museum. Refreshments will be provided as Ship Manager Cian Pereira and Dr Nigel Erskine lead a remarkable and detailed guided tour. 

 

A short walk from the main building will lead visitors to Wharf 7 Maritime Heritage Centre which houses the Vaughan Evans Library were model boats are stored and a vast collection of maritime research, curatorial records, maritime archaeological and registration offices can be found plus much more.   

A permanent exhibition entitled Passengers uses artefacts and objects of those who have voluntarily sailed to Australian for a new life and those who were forced to come here as convicts. Personal items recreate the lifestyle of the passengers of ocean liners. Discover photos, souvenirs, clothes and diary excerpts and the stories behind why they made the decision to come, how long it was and the details of life on board a ship. 

 

The exhibition details the harsh conditions that the earliest arrivals had to endure if they survived the voyage. A detailed model of a convict hulk portrays the living conditions which were dark, overcrowded and uncomfortable. The centrepiece is a large scale model of the 1937 ocean liner RMS Orcades, which bought migrants to Australia including Bob Stephens who was only 9 years old when his family sent him alone to Australia from England in 1952. This happened to many children and museum has set up a special exhibition. 

 

The special exhibition entitled On their Own- Britain’s Child Migrants runs until the 15 May 2011. The exhibition includes interviews of the thoughts and experiences of child migrants to Australia. Britain began the child migration schemes to help populate other Commonwealth countries. Starting in 1860’s and continuing until the 1960’s over 100,000 children were either orphans or removed from their families and were often placed with religious organisations. Some went on to lead successful lives but many were detrimentally affected by the traumatic experiences.

Discover these exhibitions and many more at the Australian National Museum. 

2 Murray Street
Darling Harbour
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Open every day 9.30 am - 5.00 pm (6.00 pm in January)
Closed 25 December (Christmas Day)

Expressions of Interest – Sydney Period Model Ship Club

One of our customer’s Mike Barton is seeking to establish a Sydney Period Model Ship Club. Having recently taken up the hobby of period model ship building, Mike has been assisted by fellow enthusiasts providing advice on specialised tools and techniques. He was however, surprised to find that there was no club in Sydney relating to this hobby.

Mike believes a period model ship club would have the potential to:

• be a social outlet for people with a similar interest.
• promote this craft to the wider community.
• assist in the sharing of knowledge relating to model ship building.

If you would be interested in forming/joining such a club in Sydney, please email Mike Barton (Name, Address, Phone numbers (Home and Mobile) at modelshipclub@hotmail.com to register your interest.

Greenwich Maritime Museum

As you walk through the grand front gates, the entrance to the now National Maritime Museum, the expansive building stands like a school- white facade with wide front steps and numerous windows symmetrically create a stern line indicating discipline and practicability. Hardly inviting for the visitors who travel from all over the world to explore this famous structure.

Even less inviting when you learn that the purpose of this building has been a hospital for seaman and also the Royal Naval College (the navy’s university) so if the interior reflects the strict exterior this could be a long visit...

As you enter the front desk a very dreary man hands you a leaflet and explains very despondently that not all the spaces have been filled in Lecture rooms 2, 5, and 7.  How promising.

Luckily the impression so far proves far from correct. The buildings have been transformed from their hospital and university purposes; to an interactive, contemporary centre which entertains and informs visitors with the different exhibitions from across maritime history. 

The Museum buildings have been renovated at various stages with the main galleries receiving modern designs centring on Neptune Court which was completed in 1999 providing the Museum with 12 new galleries. Neptune Court has an Upper Deck with dramatic glass-ceiling gallery situated at its centre. This space exhibits over 400 of the Museum’s gold, silver and brass nautical objects. 

The Museum’s modern layout has created interactive exhibits were visitors can learn about British life at sea from the 16^th to early 20^th centuries. These interactive areas are fun for children and adults with touch screen monitor’s allowing visitor’s to learn about maps of the world, you can also steer a ship into port, glass encased water shows how waves and tides work and you can listen to the story of human exploration as just some of the many activities.

The Toy Boat’s exhibit which runs until May 2011 in collaboration with Museé de la Marine, is about the

beginning of toy boat’s but also model ships. In the 19^th century toy boats were created to instruct and educate children about life at sea to prepare them for adult careers. The miniature boats helped with scientific and practical skills. As interest grew about all things maritime with the help of local newspapers, manufactures began creating a range of toys, puzzles and model kits. The exhibit displays early models through to complex mechanical models which used steam, clockwork and electricity. 

An exhibition about Lord Nelson (1758–1805) allows visitors to explore the fascinating life and career of Britain’s greatest naval hero. His death at the Battle of Trafalgar made him the epitome of loyalty and duty to his country. Nelson’s life has been documented and commemorated through many artistic depictions of paintings, poetry, songs, and prints. Many of Nelson’s personal belongings are on display including the uniform Nelson was wearing at the Battle of Trafalgar. 

Exploring the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich was no dusty strict college building after all. 

The authur visited the Greenwich Maritime Museum in October 2010.

by Elyce Nicholls 

Venice Maritime Museum

If you’re a modeller fortunate enough to be visiting Italy in the near future then you need to make Venice a must see location during your trip. Venice is a city with a vibrant Italian culture so expect exquisite food, breath taking surroundings, luxurious shopping and a plethora of gondola rides!

Millions of travellers visit Venice each year to see this remarkable city and yet you don’t encounter the crowds that gather in Rome or Milan. Venice is a place where wandering aimlessly is half the fun. 

An enchanting and beautiful city, Venice is built on 117 smaller islands all connected by canals and bridges which creates the uniqueness and charm of the medieval township. Situated on a lagoon within the Adriatic Sea, Venice has an abundant culture deeply embedded in a marine lifestyle as a result of the surrounding ocean. Venetian cuisine consists of risotto and other seafood dishes, artists and designers have been inspired by the canals and transport is by vaporetto (passenger ferry) or a gondola ride along the Grand Canal and walking is the best way to cross footbridges and see the sites. 

Venice is home to the Basilica di San Marco and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection featuring art obtained by the heiress Peggy Guggenheim which is exhibited in her mansion on the Grand Canal. One of the less promoted collections can be found in the Museo Storico Navale in the Castello district near the Arsenale. The Arsenale began as a medieval dockyard founded in 1104 and was once the greatest shipyard in Europe.  The Museo Storico Navale is dedicated to all things nautical displaying all kinds of naval paraphernalia, including decorations and uniforms from former navy personnel. 

This intriguing museum has five levels of exhibits which have war memorabilia including ships cannons and model ships of varying sizes. The walls are adorned with portraits of captains and paintings. There are maps which were used for strategic military importance that date back to the sixteenth century.  The museum displays modern military equipment including a torpedo and diving equipment which are used on submarines and framed ship plans provide an insight into the design process of modern ships. 

The model ship exhibit is vast and historical with models with were created in the 16^th century. Model ships include, Model of a 16^th century Venetian Galleon, Model of the 80 gun vessel ‘Casare’ keel laid in the Arsenal of Venice during Napoleon’s Government launched in 1815 at the presence of the Emperor of Austria Francis 1^st. Many of the models have a significant connection to Italian history and there are French ships fought in battle and Roman vessels. A Model of a Heavy Galley of the order of Santo Stefano- Tuscany 17^th century is a model which measures over two meters in size and has delicate carving details.

In other sections is an 18^th century Venetian vessel which was used on ceremonial occasions and is lavishly decorated demonstrating the wealth and glamour of the era. There is also an interesting exhibit dedicated to the gondola, the symbol of Venice. There are many different designs of the gondolas on display but the most intriguing is the personal gondola of Peggy Guggenheim who was one of the last people to own a private one. There are photographs on display next to the gondola showing Peggy Guggenheim being ferried with her little dogs. 

This museum captures an essence of Venice and provides an understanding of the history and culture which remains with you long after you visit.

The author has experienced Venice first hand in September 2010.

By Elyce Nicholls