The Secret Museum and the San Ildefonso ensign

[anteros_lmc]

Over the last week there have a been a number of reviews and articles in the UK press about a book by Molly Oldfield called The Secret Museum. The book is described as "a unique treasure trove of the most intriguing artifacts hidden away in museum archives from all over the world". From the articles I've read, one of the most stunning artefacts

Comments

[charliecochrane]

Oh. Oh! It's lovely. Did I tell you I cried when I saw Victory's sail down at Pompey?

[eglantine_br]

I would cry too.

[charliecochrane]

It was so very moving. Especially as the exhibition featured scenes from Master & Commander. *sniff*

[anteros_lmc]

esteven has recommended that we should go and see it while we are at the conference.

[mylodon]

Yes, do. And of course Sophia Deri-Bowen, aka atthe_algonquin has crawled all over the thing.

[anteros_lmc]

Eh? You what?!

[charliecochrane]

Marie aka atthe_algonquin did a holiday job at the historic docktyards and had to crawl over the sail to take test swabs.

[esteven]

Trafalgar Sail is a must. You should have seen us when we first entered the building. We heard a ship's bell, knew it by the sound and then everybody raced up those stairs.

[charliecochrane]

Yes, yes! Same here.

[esteven]

You ran up those stairs too? Oh, and we stayed for several viewings, grinning like the demented ;) And the sail truly is beyond impressive.

[charliecochrane]

I can't say I ran, but I proceeded as fast as my knees would allow, with collywobbles of excitement in my tummy.

[charliecochrane]

I am with you. My hips did not permit me to take three steps at a time ;) But, dear me, my heart was beating fast. It is high time I should visit it again. *sighs*

[esteven]

The anon wuz me

[charliecochrane]

I guessed it was. And you know, I should go again soon - it's only 35 minutes away from us!

[esteven]

You really should, and then let us know all about it. You could also have a look at Dock 9 which was shamelessly used in Les Mis.

Should I ever come to Portsmouth again, can I call on you for a mug of tea?

[charliecochrane]

I should, and you can. :)