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Above: Clever projections combined with sound give a glimpse of life on board the Mary RoseLeft: The museum reopened in July – without the view obscured by ductingthe clock, fi rst with water, then with polyethylene glycol. After years of dreaming, planning and fundraising, a new museum was built over the top of the ship and opened in 2013. However, the fi nal stage of conservation was still in progress: controlled air-drying of the timbers after the sprays were switched off. During this phase, views of the hull were severely limited. Black ductwork obscured the hull, which could only be seen through small windows. Despite the limitations, the museum was a huge success, but had still to reach its full potential.The full reveal of the ship had always been planned – it was fi nally realised in July 2016. This involved removing the ducting and internal walls, which were replaced by wall-to-ceiling glass on two levels. On the top fl oor, only a balustrade now separates the Mary Rose from visitors. Above all, the Mary Rose story is about people – the 500 men who worked, ate, relaxed, fought and died on board. The museum is dedicated to these men and the ship gives the stage on which their daily activities, whether in peace or war, can be re-enacted, understood and celebrated. All levels of society, from wealthy offi cers on the upper deck to common sailors in the dark of the lower decks, are projected into the ship using six carefully positioned projectors. Sound appropriate to the deck level emanates from it, for instance watch the gun crew load a cannon and hear the noise of the gun fi ring. On the back wall, projections of the gentle seascape in peace are transformed to a background of wartime with the French galleys fi ring their guns and the Mary Rose engaging.This work took seven months, during which the museum was closed. The wait was worth it! The results are transformative. The Mary Rose is now clearly visible in all her glory.• To fi nd out more please visit www.maryrose.org. ■Images: Hufton+Crow.GROUP ACTIVITIESA series of adult learning packages for special interest groups provide a unique insight into some of the most interesting items in the collection. It is possible to combine an informal talk on a chosen subject with an element of activity – such as using the microscopes, guessing a mystery object or even creating remedies.Alternatively, groups are able to enjoy a live tour of the museum by a passionate member of the Mary Rose team via a headset. More information can be found at www.maryrose.org/group-visits or contact: events@maryrose.org.MARY ROSE www.nadfas.org.uk NADFAS REVIEW / WINTER 2016 39