Power, Pageantry and the Thames

Opens 27th April 2012

Detail from ‘The Thames on Lord Mayor’s Day, looking towards the City and St Paul’s Cathedral’, before 1752, Canaletto, The Lobkowicz Collections, Czech Republic

From London’s birth, royalty have looked to the Thames to display their power, patronage and pageantry to a city and a people intimately and inextricably connected to the water. Celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the National Maritime Museum’s 75th anniversary, Royal River explores the relationship between the monarch, the City and the people, as it was brought to life on the Thames – London’s greatest thoroughfare.

Taking in the palaces, processions, parties and promenades that made the London we know today Royal River brings together paintings, manuscripts and rare and beautiful objects. Among the items are Handel’s autographed score for the Music for the Royal Fireworks (British Library), the magnificent stern carvings from the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert III and a remarkable collection of artworks by Canaletto.

Among the items selected for the exhibition are Handel’s autographed score for the Music for the Royal Fireworks (British Library), the magnificent stern carvings from the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert III and a remarkable collection of artworks by Canaletto.

Guest curator David Starkey said:

The exhibition brings to life the extraordinary and varied history of the Thames as Britain’s royal river. This grand street through the heart of London has been a stage for the power and pageantry of key events in British history. Many of the more than 350 objects to be shown in Greenwich have never been displayed before. Together, they provide a visual feast, highlighting both the drama and magnificence of river celebrations and the fascinating and unexpected stories of Thames people.”

Further information:

The exhibition will be open from 27th April to 9th September 2012 at the National Maritime Museum.
Tickets: Adults £11.00, Concessions £9.00, Children £5.00, Families £14.50/£24.50. Members FREE.
For more information and to book tickets, please visit the website.