Royal Armouries X Final Fantasy XVI: Exclusive Partnership

 

To celebrate the launch of the new video game Final Fantasy XVI, the Royal Armouries has partnered with video game developer Square Enix. This partnership sees a life-sized replica sword from the game displayed in the White Tower at the Tower of London.

This exclusive exhibition and partnership marks the first time a sword created from a videogame has ever been displayed in the Royal Armouries collection in the Tower of London. Fans were given the rare opportunity to see it up close. 

 Renowned swordsmith, Tod Todeschini created the stunning sword, named Invictus. He meticulously captured the sword’s intricate details through a variety of metal working techniques. The blade is forged from solid steel, while the upper section (or forte) is constructed using armour-making techniques to keep the sword light and allow for detailing by hand.  

The exhibition was revealed to the public via a video, showing the world-famous Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London handling and inspecting the replica sword at the White Tower. 

 

 

 

 Jack Wanstall, Senior Partnerships Manager, Royal Armouries commented “The partnership with Final Fantasy has been an exceptional project to work on. Chances to be innovative and break new ground in a 700-year-old organisation like the Royal Armouries are few and far between.

The display of Invictus creatively merged the digital world of Final Fantasy XVI with the auspicious real-world surroundings of the Royal Armouries collection in the White Tower – the most infamous castle keep in the world - to deliver a unique experience for visitors and Final Fantasy fans to enjoy”.

 

 

 

Emma Mawdsley, Keeper of the Tower Armouries said “We are always looking at ways to engage new audiences with our collections across the Museum’s three sites. We are excited to welcome fans of the franchise and gamers alike. It is thrilling to see the historic art form of sword crafting continue to thrive in the videogame space. What better way to celebrate this than by displaying this exclusive sword from FINAL FANTASY XVI alongside the Royal Armouries collection of arms and armour.” 

 

 

FINAL FANTASY XVI – Invictus Sword X Royal Armouries

 

To talk with the Royal Armouries and explore adding a touch of history to your project, please contact our Licensing & Partnerships team at  licensing@armouries.org.uk

 

Image credits: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved

 

 

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Royal Armouries Museum x Wilde and Harte

Celebrating the exquisite craftmanship of royal armours and British-made razors

Royal Armouries and Wilde & Harte have come together to create a collection of beautifully designed male grooming shaving razors. The Eltham Razor Collection draws its inspiration from the grand armours of English kings exhibited in the Line of Kings at the Tower of London, one of the world’s oldest visitor attractions.

Aquatint entitled: 'Horse Armoury, Tower', by Rowlandson and Pugin, dated 1809
Print (1801-1830) Aquatint entitled: 'Horse Armoury, Tower', by Rowlandson and Pugin, dated 1809

The concept for the partnership with Wilde & Harte was to create a range of products that celebrated superb craftmanship. Quality design, fundamental to Wilde & Harte’s brand ethos, is certainly in evidence in the grand armours in the Royal Armouries collection. Wilde & Harte’s products encapsulate attention to detail and mastery of the materials used in their production. This overlap led us to think about some of the finest examples of armour that Wilde & Harte could take design inspiration from, and a natural candidate quickly emerged - the Line of Kings.

The White Tower is the most famous castle keep in the world. Almost 1,000 years old, it stands at the heart of the Tower of London. Displayed inside is the historic and world-class Royal Armouries collection. Highlight of the exhibits is a mounted parade of magnificent suits of armour created for the kings of England, including Henry VIII, who once resided at Eltham Palace, after which this collaborative razor collection is named.

Royal Armouries Museum and Wilde & Harte are excited to showcase the Eltham Razor Collection to the luxury grooming sector. Drawing inspiration for the razors from the skilful design, premium quality and magnificent craftsmanship of the royal armours, these stunning, perfectly weighted, British-made razors deliver an element of luxury for the discerning wet shaver.

There are three razors in the Eltham Collection - a Gillette Mach3 razor, a Gillette Fusion razor, and a plastic-free safety razor - each manufactured from stainless steel.

Each Eltham razor is presented in a luxury gift box featuring an historic aquatint illustration of the Line of Kings from the Royal Armouries collection.

Wilde & Harte design and manufacture razor collections inspired by the splendour and grandeur of iconic houses and palaces in London. Where style meets sustainability, the brand offers hand crafted 100% plastic free shaving options and accessories to minimise plastic consumption and lower shaving costs. Wilde & Harte are members of the Made in Britain campaign, an initiative which is endorsed by the British Government, supported by British manufacturers and recognised by global consumers.

'Line of Kings' Eltham Stainless Steel Safety Razor

  • Traditional, Art Deco influenced design featuring octagonal handle & classic scalloped (grooved) design safety bar
  • Offers a 'mild' close shave, minimising nicks and cuts
  • Ideal for regular wet shaving and for shaving sensitive skin
  • 100% stainless steel cap, plate and handle
  • Hand polished to an impeccable mirror finish
  • Optimum weighted to improve the shaving experience
  • Monogrammed detailing at end of handle
  • Laser etched 'Made in Britain' logo on base plate
  • Presented in a luxury 'Line of Kings' gift box
  • PLASTIC FREE
  • MADE IN UK

Technical details:

  • Safety razor weight: 110g (head 37g, handle 73g)
  • Total razor length: 100mm
  • Safety razor head width: 43mm
  • Safety razor head type: Closed comb, scalloped safety bar
  • Blade gap: 0.65mm (mild)
  • Razor material: Grade 316 stainless steel (highest grade)

'Line of Kings' Eltham Fusion Razor

  • Features a shorter length, more bulbous design Eltham razor handle
  • Polished to an impeccable mirror finish by hand
  • Geometric 'Art Deco' detailing
  • Manufactured in the UK from British stainless steel
  • Optimum weighted handle to improve the shaving experience
  • Monogrammed detailing at base of handle
  • Presented in a 'Line of Kings'luxury gift box
  • Gillette Fusion technology – the superior multi-blade razor system with precision trimmer
  • Supplied with one Gillette Fusion5 cartridge

Technical details:

  • Razor weight: 85 g
  • Razor length: 120 mm
  • Blade compatibility: Fusion5, Fusion ProGlide & FusionShield

'Line of Kings' Eltham Mach3 Razor

  • Features a shorter length, more bulbous design Eltham razor handle
  • Polished to an impeccable mirror finish by hand
  • Geometric 'Art Deco' detailing
  • Manufactured in the UK from stainless steel
  • Optimum weighted handle to improve the shaving experience
  • Monogrammed detailing at base of handle
  • Presented in a 'Line of Kings' luxury gift box
  • Gillette Mach3 technology featuring 3 stronger-than-steel high definition blades
  • Supplied with one Gillette Mach3 cartridge

Technical details:

  • Razor weight: 78 g
  • Razor length: 120 mm
  • Blade compatibility: Gillette Mach3 & Gillette Mach3 Turbo

Discover the Line of Kings range here wildeandharte.co.uk/pages/line-of-kings

Jack Wanstall, Senior Licensing Manager at the Royal Armouries said, ‘We are thrilled to be partnering with Wilde & Harte on a new collection of hand-crafted razors which are inspired by the stunning royal armours in our collection. Skilful design and premium quality were key to the collaboration, underpinned by a shared passion for celebrating heritage. This collection of perfectly weighted British-made razors will deliver an element of luxury to your morning routine.

Work with us

If you would like to work with Royal Armouries and bring a touch of history to your products, contact our Licensing team directly: licensing@armouries.org.uk

 

 

Royal Armouries x Windlass Swords

History brought to life

Royal Armouries together with Windlass Steelcrafts have created an exciting new range of historically accurate replica swords, based on original artefacts in the Royal Armouries collection. Using the finest steel and materials, forged by the most skilled craftsmen, the Windlass Sword Collection is truly history brought to life. Every aspect of the original artefact has been considered in production, to deliver the most authentic experience. Whether it be the weight, proportion or feeling in the hand, the Windlass Collection Swords are replicas in a class of their own.

Jack Wanstall, Partnerships Manager at the Royal Armouries said ‘This unique range of replica swords have been expertly created, based on meticulous study of the original weapons. Each item has been carefully prototyped and then thoroughly inspected side-by-side with the historical originals to ensure the specifications match.'

Windlass came to us with a vision of allowing people to own a piece of history. Achieving correct reproductions of the look, weight and feel of swords from different historical eras was a key goal for them from the outset. Windlass enlisted the help of renowned historical weapons expert Matt Easton to support their ambitious project, and along with guidance from Henry Yallop, Royal Armouries Keeper of Edged Weapons & Armour, this expertise ensured that the results are mightily impressive.'

Introducing six replica swords

Royal Armouries IX.1787. This is a replica of a mid-15th century two-handed sword. The original sword is believed to have been excavated in France, from a ford near the site of the Battle of Castillon in 1453 – the last battle of the Hundred Years’ War. It

was purchased by the Royal Armouries in 1978 and is one of an important archaeological group of over eighty swords discovered in the same spot

The history

The sword has been suggested to be distinct English style of mid -15th century two-handed swords. Featuring a fish-tail pommel, straight guard with swollen terminals, and double-edged blade having a flattened-diamond cross-section. The sword is a versatile cut and thrust type.

The detail

The detail: This is a replica of Royal Armouries IX.1787

Overall length: 58.0” (147.32 cm)

Guard width: 11.38” (28.91 cm)

Blade length: 45.0” (114.3 cm)

Blade width at ricasso: 2.0” (5.08 cm)

Blade is double edged and distally tapered: 0.34” (0.86 cm) thick at guard, 0.17” (0.43 cm) at tip

Weight: 4.63 lb / 2.097 kg

The original, designated as IX.1106 by the Royal Armouries is a mid14th-century longsword, found in Lake Constance, where Austria, Germany and Switzerland meet.

 

The history

This sword features a stiff tapered blade, which is double-edged and straight, with an acute tip. It has a hand-and-a-half hilt, which could be used one or two-handed, and a wheel pommel. The blade is of a simple flattened diamond cross-section, but the pommel has some complex and subtle shaping, with the front and back planes uniquely canted inward at the top.

Swords of this type are not uncommon, and several survive in various collections.This type of sword may have been used by armoured men-at-arms and knights, usually one-handed on horseback or two-handed on foot. Swords like this were used in Europe in the second half of the 14th century and would likely have been familiar to fencing masters like Fiore dei Liberi and used at battles like Sempach in 1386. This sword seems quite specialised to armoured combat and halfswording (gripping the blade with one hand), due to the notable stiffness and mass of the blade. The edge

geometry is quite obtuse, but the blade has a lot of presence in the strike. Equally, the weighty pommel could be used with good effect to strike in close combat.

The detail:

This is a replica of Royal Armouries IX.1106

Overall length: 44.0” (111.76 cm)

Blade length: 34.5” (87.63 cm)

Guard width: 10.25” (26.04 cm)

Blade width at ricasso: 1.75” (4.45 cm)

Blade is double edged and distally tapered: 0.44” (1.11 cm) thick at guard, 0.22” (0.56 cm) at tip

Weight: 4.13 lb (1.871 k

Royal Armouries IX.2638 – A single-edged arming sword of the mid-15th century, reputed to come from the river near the site of the Battle of Castillon (1453) and purchased by the Royal Armouries in 1984.

The history

Over 80 swords, are said to have been recovered from the archaeological find, however, this sword is without direct comparison in that group, having a distinctive hilt and unusual single-edged blade. At first sight it looks like a regular double-edged arming sword with a central tip, but on closer inspection it has a single-edged blade, of wedge cross-section, having a false edge on the back of the blade near the tip. The blade is remarkably wide and thin, with a very acute edge geometry leading to a fine edge. The quillons end in curled tips which could help to retain an opponent’s blade, the asymmetrical grip is found towards the back edge, and the squat scent-stopper pommel makes the short grip comfortable to hold.

This sword feels very nimble, and it is deceptively light compared to its width, due to the thinness of the blade and distal taper. While it could thrust effectively against unarmoured targets, it seems to be perfected for cutting, the tip being broader and the blade more flexible than a typical arming sword of the time.

The detail:

This is a replica of Royal Armouries IX.2638

Overall length: 37.0” (93.98 cm)

Blade length: 31.25” (79.38 cm)

Guard width: 7.38” (18.75 cm)

Blade width at ricasso: 2.38” (6.04 cm)

The blade is single edged and distally tapered: 0.16” (0.40 cm) thick at guard, 0.09” (0.23 cm) at tip

Weight: 2.94 lb (1.332 kg)

Royal Armouries IX.2141, 14th century – reputedly found in a peat bog together with another now in Rome and is unusually well preserved. Comparable swords have been found across much of Europe.

The history

The pommel of this sword looks conventional when viewed dead-on, but turn the sword sideways and an unusual, somewhat conical shape reveals itself. One-handed arming swords were carried as sidearms by many people at the time, often used with a shield or buckler.

This type of sword could have been carried at the beginning of the Hundred Years War, and this particular example features several distinctive features. The subtly shaped crossguard curves towards the blade, tapering and then swelling at the terminals, and the distinctive pommel has very particular angles and facets. The hilt sits very comfortably in the hand. The broad leaf-like straight blade is of a flattened-diamond cross-section, double-edged, with a narrow fuller to reduce mass. The width swells slightly where it meets the hilt and the gracefully curved edges finish in an acute thrusting tip. The sword is quite light for the size but has a lot of blade presence and power in the hand, being very well suited to give impressive cuts and thrusts.

The detail:

This is a replica of Royal Armouries IX.2141

Overall length: 38.18” (97 cm)

Blade length: 33.46” (85 cm)

Guard width: 7.38” (18.74 cm)

Blade width at ricasso: 2.50” (6.35 cm)

Blade is double edged and distally tapered: 0.22” (0.56 cm) thick at guard, 0.13” (0.33 cm) at tip

Weight: 2.69 lb (1.219 kg)

Royal Armouries IX.144, has resided in the Royal Armouries collection since before 1916 and its exact origin before that is unknown, but it is part of a group of similar swords with English provenance.

The history

This family of swords, sometimes known as ‘Wakefield - type’ hangers, (after one of the group, ‘The Wakefield sword’, being found near the site of the Battle of Wakefield, 1460), often feature beaked pommels and S-shaped hand guards. Some have an added side bar or lug on the guard, as seen in this example. (Note: the lug on the original had been damaged and is bent, meaning it pokes into the hand, which has been rectified in this reproduction).

These type of short swords were popular sidearms for billmen and archers during the Wars of the Roses and into the early Tudor period. Swords similar to this could have seen action in battles like Wakefield, Towton, Barnet, Tewkesbury and Bosworth. This

example features a deceptively complex and challenging single-edge blade, with subtle transitions of cross-section and clever hollow grinding and a fuller to make it lighter. It has a graceful hollow ground front edge and a slender but strong point. The hilt provides a good level of hand protection for the time, for soldiers who were not generally wearing gauntlets.

The detail:

This replica is a reproduction of Royal Armouries IX.144

Overall length: 32.0” (81.28 cm)

Blade length: 27.25” (69.22 cm)

Guard width: 6.06” (15.39 cm)

Blade width at ricasso: 1.50” (3.81 cm)

The blade is single edged and distally tapered: 0.25” (0.64 cm) thick at guard, 0.06” (0.15 cm) at tip

Weight: 1.94 lb (0.878 kg

Royal Armouries 15th Century European Long Sword

The original

Royal Armouries IX.16. This is a reproduction of an early 15th century longsword, believed to have been found in the river Thames before finding its way into the Royal Armouries collection.

The history

Dating to around 1400-30, this sword features a two-handed hilt with scent-stopper pommel. The stiff and acutely tapered blade ends in a robust but slender point. This type of sword was used in one or two hands, depending on circumstance, and in armoured combat the blade could also be gripped in halfswording, to better drive the point into the gaps of an armoured opponent, and to use the crossguard and pommel for wrestling and striking.

Similar types of sword would have been carried at the time of Agincourt (1415). The blade of this sword has three transitions, from a hollow ground blunt ricasso next to the guard, to a hexagonal cross-section and finally to the flattened diamond section point. This sword strikes with authority, despite the narrow appearance. This is due to the surprisingly thick section for most of the length of the blade, making it very stiff, and ideally suited to halfswording and thrusting into things like mail voiders at the armpits of an enemy’s armour. A relatively nimble sword, but with more blade presence than you might expect.

The detail:

This is a replica of Royal Armouries IX.16

Overall length: 46.50” (118.11 cm)

Blade length: 36.50” (92.71 cm)

Guard width: 10.17” (25.83 cm)

Blade width at ricasso: 1.75” (4.45 cm)

The blade is double edged and distally tapered: 0.31” (0.78 cm) thick at guard, 0.20” (0.51 cm) at tip.

Weight: 3.38 lb (1.530 kg)

Certificate of authenticity

Each replica sword from the Windlass X Royal Armouries Collection comes with a certificate of authenticity as an officially certified replica, a tin of Windlass Classic Wax and a polishing cloth.

All the swords have been crafted with exceptional blades, hand-forged by a skilled blacksmith using modern 1080 high carbon steel that is fully tempered and distally tapered for proper weight distribution. The sheaths have been made with a wood body covered with leather. The tip is reinforced with a brass chape that features a traditional cut-out. At the throat, the leather extends upward and covers part of the guard at the ricasso.

Henry Yallop, Royal Armouries Keeper of Edged Weapons & Armour said, ‘this selection of replicas allows the Royal Armouries collection to be accessible to a greater range of people who can get a realistic ‘feel’ for what important examples of genuine objects may have looked and felt like ‘in hand’ during their period of use.’

Work with us

If you would like to work with Royal Armouries and bring a touch of history to your products, contact our Licensing team directly: licensing@armouries.org.uk

VE Day: Remembering the men and women of the Second World War

While our museum sites are closed, we still have lots of images and stories from our collection to share with you including digitised objects from the Second World War as we commemorate 75 years since VE Day.

On 7th May 1945 Germany surrendered to the allies, bringing an end to the Second World War. In Britain, Churchill declared the following day would be a public holiday, Victory in Europe Day. Many celebrations broke out across the nation, including street parties as communities came together to mark the victorious occasion

However, for some, the war had not yet ended and VE day was bitter-sweet for those mourning lost loved ones while others were still in combat. As Churchill noted in his VE Day speech, the celebrations may be momentary as the impact of the war would continue for some time.

VE Day 75 is a fitting opportunity to remember and honour the various contributions made by so many men and women in the Second World War, as shown in these photographs from our Image Library.

 

Photograph showing componant parts of a Sten gun being assembled at a Royal Ordnance Factory, July 1942

 

A gunner on boarda motor torpedo boat

 

RAF bomber crew practise bailing out of an aircraft

 

A soldier operating a height or range finder. 1939 – 1945

 

US official photograph from the Second World War, entitled ‘Hysterical cheers greet U.S. troops en route to Palermo,’ picture issued July 1943.

 

Photograph showing component parts of a Sten gun being welded together at a Royal Ordnance Factory, July 1942

 

Take a look here at more objects and images from our Second World War collection.

Please get in touch with us directly at licensing@armouries.org.uk if you have any queries.

 

Best wishes,

The Licensing Team

200 years since the Cato Street Conspiracy

A print depicting the arrest of the Cato Street conspirators. Early 20th Century.

 

Introducing our latest digitised object to the Royal Armouries Image Library. February marks 200 years since the Cato Street Conspiracy. This print depicts the arrest of the conspirators who plotted to assassinate the Prime Minister on 23rd February 1820. Although not as infamous as the gunpowder plot, the intentions of these Cato Street conspirators were no less catastrophic.

With the dawn of industrialisation and the end of Napoleonic Wars, early 19th century Britain was witness to a changing society; rebellion, riots and reform occurring across the nation.

Following a failed rebellion of 1817 there was a second wave of protest for parliamentary reform, known today as the Peterloo Massacre. Held in Manchester in August 1819, news of Peterloo quickly spread, triggering further protest across Britain and the threat of rebellion was strongly felt around the nation.

In London, a scheme to murder the Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet was devised. Led by Arthur Thistlewood; a group of 13 political radicals conspired in Cato Street, Marylebone where they hoped their plans would ignite a political revolution in Britain. It was here in Cato Street that their headquarters were raided, the group were arrested and thus becoming known as the Cato Street Conspirators. An array of weapons was found including daggers; guns; pistols; pike heads and even a recipe for explosive fireballs, condemning the group of their deadly plot.

8 of the conspirators were committed to the Tower of London, where we still house some of our historic collection in the White Tower. For Thistlewood, this was his second detention here, (having been accused of treason in 1816 of which he was acquitted) this time as a resident in the Bloody Tower.

 

Engraving showing the Bloody Tower and the gateway leading to the outer bailey, dated 1821

 

It is thought by some that this was a Government trap with the group purposefully infiltrated and tracked leading to their eventual deportation or execution. Perhaps an example to all those who considered taking on a rebellion of their own?

 

Looking Ahead in 2020

 

Photo shows: Two of the ATS “Ack-Ack” Girls stationed at a gun site near London seen here at their work of plane-spotting for which they use coloured spectacles to avoid injuring their eyesight

 

January is an exciting time for the Image Library as we look to the year ahead. We are continuing to add premium content to the Image Library, particularly looking at upcoming anniversaries this year that link to our unique collection, such as the 200th year since the birth of Florence Nightingale; 200th anniversary of the Cato Street Conspiracy which was an attempt to murder all British cabinet ministers and Prime Minister and 75 years since VE Day, marking the end of the Second World War. Check out our curated picture packages here commemorating these historical moments.

This year also marks the 500th year anniversary since the Field of Cloth of Gold; a political and sporting summit of unsurpassed pomp and splendour between King Henry VIII and Francis I that took place in 1520.

 

Le Champ de Drap d’Or [The Field of Cloth of Gold] showing the meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I, King of France, in 1520. British, late 18th century

At the Royal Armouries museum, we are celebrating this historical spectacle through a new exhibition; publications; jousting and tournament events. It is only fitting that for one of the most extravagant events of the 16th century, Henry VIII commissioned equally elaborate armour to compete in, pictured below. Today it is cared for in the Royal Armouries collection among other rare objects from the Field of Cloth of Gold which will be on display in a fantastic new exhibition this year. See our handpicked collection dedicated to this special anniversary in our Image Library here.

 

Tonlet armour of King Henry VIII. English, Southwark, 1520. Made to replace the foot combat armour (II.6) for the Field of Cloth of Gold.

 

Have you got a special project coming up in 2020? We can offer discounts on bulk image orders so get in touch with our licensing team now to find out how you can benefit from this offer. If you cannot find an image you are looking for then please email us at licensing@armouries.org.uk we will be happy to assist you with your research. We can also organise scanning and new photography of material not previously digitised.

The most remarkable Christmas present in the Royal Armouries collection

Foot combat armour of Christian I Elector of Saxony, by Anton Peffenhauser. II.186

 

Gifts make up a large part of our collection here at the Royal Armouries museum, from direct gifts given to the museum to objects whose provenance were once diplomatic court gifts or even Christmas presents. This December we have been looking at one of the most ostentatious Christmas presents in our collection; this Foot Combat Armour gifted to Christian I, Elector of Saxony in 1591.

As a representation of great technical and artistic capabilities of the times, arms and armour have often been a diplomatic gift of choice across courts and cultures. In addition, the vital role of armour in court pageantry and spectacles especially in the 16th century made it the ideal gift for royalty. Sophia of Brandenburg commissioned Anton Peffenhauser to make not one but twelve identical sets of this armour as a Christmas present for her husband, Christian I. Widely known at the time as the ‘King of Armourers’, Peffenhauser’s elaborate work demonstrates the highest display of craftsmanship. Decorated in etching and gilding with bold floral scrolls, the armour was intended to be worn by Christian I and his courtiers. Sadly, Christian died before ever receiving this generous gift. However, we are lucky enough to now hold one of the remaining foot combat armours in our collection today, which you can see here in our Image Library

II.186 Foot Combat Armour made by Anton Peffenhauser of Augsburg (1525-1603), the foremost German armourer of his day, it is blued, etched and gilt.

 

Do you have a special project coming up in 2020? Talk to our dedicated team to discuss rates, research and bespoke requests at licensing@armouries.org.uk

Behind the scenes with the Royal Armouries Licensing Team

October has been a busy month at the Royal Armouries museum in Leeds with the opening of our new ‘Make: Believe’ display; showcasing some amazing arms and armour from classic films, TV and theatre productions.  Featuring new acquisitions like this Star Wars E-11 blaster above, it explores the influence and role of arms and armour in popular culture. Highlighting the ‘behind the scenes’ craftsmanship that ensures authenticity; you can see how these stunt props emulate their real-life counterparts.

Imperial Stormtrooper Blaster

 

Sterling L2A2 Submachine Gun, PR1413. The real-life weapon that inspired the E-11 blaster

 

In the Licensing team we have been working hard photographing and digitising these objects and images which you can explore in our Film and Fantasy collection here. We strive to ensure our objects are captured and documented authentically, right from our dedicated photography sessions to digitising and editing the high-quality image you see on our Image Library website. Like any stunt or prop object, it takes a lot of time and skill to produce an accurate representation that is inspired by the original.

 

Before and after: photo taken during photography session and final edited image of the Lancelot armour.

 

Our photography sessions require help and expertise from across the museum. Firstly, the objects must be moved to the photography studio. Due to the size, weight and sometimes condition of the objects, our specially trained Technicians and Conservators assist to make sure everything arrives in one piece. During photography, our Curatorial team are on hand to point out the talking points on each item and to ensure no detail is missed. The final stage is down to the Licensing team to digitise; edit; catalogue and store all the files securely before being published on our websites. This process helps to ensure high quality images are created that can be accessed by the public for as long as possible before technology catches up and the objects need to be re-photographed.

All images of objects from our ‘Make: Believe’ display are now available to licence through our online Image Library. Every purchase you make helps fund the Royal Armouries and the work that we do.

100 years since the first Remembrance Day

11th November 2019 marks 100 years since the first Remembrance Day in Britain (also known as Armistice Day). Symbolising the end of the Wars, it was an opportunity to honour those who had given their lives defending the freedom of others. 100 years on, we have been looking back at some wonderful photographs from The First World War. These snapshots of history capture friends and allies coming together at home, in the factory or on the frontline; reminding us of their great sacrifice.

From our Archive we have digitised some great collections of photography from the First and Second World War which you can see a selection of here in our Picture Library.

Here are just a few of the men and women we remember:

Troops of the 57th Division of the 8th Battalion, the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment, otherwise known as the Liverpool Irish, entering Lille.

 

 

Employees working at the Chilwell National Shell Filling Factory, Nottinghamshire. Chilwell was the site of one of the worst domestic accidents of the war when eight tons of explosive detonated accidentally killing 109 men and 25 women.

 

 

The first liberated British prisoners of war in Tournai, France.

 

 

WRAFs gathered outside the Royal Air Force headquarters at the former Hotel Cecil.

 

 

Two WAACs lay wreaths at the British cemetery, Abbeville, February 1918.

 

25th October marks 165 years since the Battle of Balaclava

25th October marks 165 years since the Battle of Balaclava, one of the most significant battles during the Crimean war. Witnessing both extreme acts of bravery and military blunders, it was also one of the first ever conflicts captured on film.

Print entitled “Charge of the Heavy Cavalry Brigade, October 25th, 1854” showing a scene from the battle of Balaclava.

 

As Russian forces launched an attack on Balaclava they were blocked by the 93rd (Highland) Regiment of Foot who adopted an unconventional position in two lines instead of the traditional square. These soldiers became known as the ‘Thin Red Line’ of infantry who succeeded in turning the enemy back and into the path of the Heavy Brigade, pictured above.

However, disaster struck when an order was issued to regain lost British guns. Confusion over which guns the order referred to meant the Light Brigade led their attack on the wrong ones; suffering heavy losses as they charged towards Russian cannon fire. An infamous mistake which became immortalised in Alfred Tennyson’s poem, ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’.

Print entitled “Charge of the Light Cavalry Brigade, 25th October 1854” showing a scene from the battle of Balaclava

 

Following reports of such military mishaps, photographer Roger Fenton, already an established photographer, was dispatched to Balaclava. He was instructed to document the soldiers, landscapes and the impact of life at war but filtering out the horrors in an attempt to quiet public discontent and comply with Victorian sensibilities. Fenton’s work aided the emergence of the soldier into the public eye while he became a celebrated photographer, achieving national recognition for his work. We have digitised one of Fenton’s original photographs from this pioneering album of the Crimean war which can also be seen on display in Leeds today.

Photograph of Captain Frederick Thomas Arthur Hervey Bathurst, Grenadier Guards, Crimea, 1855, photographed by Roger Fenton

 

See more great images and objects from the Crimean war here.

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