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5th October 2005 - Gosport's very own Victory launched in time for Trafalgar celebrations
What a Victory and what a coup for Explosion! the Museum of Naval Firepower, based at Priddy’s Hard in Gosport, Hampshire. A new and exciting display, featuring a replica of Nelson’s historic ship ‘Victory’ has gone on show in time to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.
‘The Trafalgar Gunpowder Trail’ explores how gunpowder was transported from Priddy’s Hard to the Trafalgar Fleet and to Nelson’s historic Flagship, HMS Victory, which was for many years moored just off the Gosport shoreline. The centrepiece of the exhibition is a spectacular 1:24 scale model of HMS Victory, built by Stefan Krapf of Flossenburg, Germany.
The model, which stands at over 3 metres tall by nearly 5 metres in length, took Stephan eight long years to construct and complete. After agreeing to provide this beautifully crafted model, to Explosion! on long-term loan, he accompanied it to England where it took him several weeks to reassemble. With the main hull already assembled there was still days of work to do – erecting sails and rigging and putting in place the crew going about their everyday work.
In fact, the model comes complete with nearly two hundred figures, all individually carved and painted. As well as Lord Nelson, visitors will be enthralled to try and spot the many trades and occupations of men serving on board – some are working, some are engaged in recreational pursuits and others are – shall we say- attending to the call of nature!
Set against a painted backdrop of Priddy’s Hard and its famous camber dock, the Victory is indeed an impressive and majestic ship and provides visitors with the same view as seen from Portsmouth in 1805. It’s well worth a visit.
Of course Explosion! also boasts the most comprehensive history and display of warfare through the ages, from Nelson’s time to the more recent Iraq and Falkland conflicts. There’s also a shop, Conference Centre and Harbourside Café serving quality food and, for a wedding with a difference – where better than the Grand Magazine! Whether individuals, families, coach parties, wedding parties or school trips, all are welcome at EXPLOSION!
Explosion is open: April – October + School Holidays: 10am – 5.30pm, November - March Thursday, Saturday and Sundays only 10am – 4.30pm
For more information please contact:
Mark Farrance
Events and Bookings Co-ordinator
Explosion! Museum
http://www.explosion.org.uk/
Tel: (023) 9250 5600
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