Armada chart drawings saved for UK

• Ten incredibly rare chart drawings that show in stages the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, a defining moment in the creation of England’s maritime identity, have been saved from export
• Last-ditch campaign raised £600,000 in two months, including £212,800 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, and £200,000 from the Art Fund
• Members of the British public digging deep in extremely difficult times to help save these treasures
• A new phase of fundraising necessary to make sure the public can access the maps

The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) has announced that in just eight weeks its fundraising campaign to buy the Armada Maps for the nation has successfully saved these incredibly rare charts which will now remain in the UK.

The charts, a complete set of ten, are thought to be the earliest surviving representations of the naval battles of July and August in 1588, from the first sightings of the huge fleet of 130 Spanish ships in the Western Approches on July 29th to the British atttack with eight fireships sailed into the Spanish fleet as it anchored (still in crescent formation) off Calais on the night of August 7th. British naval skill and daring harried the Spanish fleet and eventually dispersed it northwards – to return to Spain after rounding Scotland and Ireland. The British ships, despite being low on shot and gunpowder, and with their sailors in a state of exhaustion, were able to prevent a Spanish invasion.

Drawn shortly after the events, and depicting the positions of the British and Spanish fleets in red ink and watercolour, these charts have been in private ownership and have not left the United Kingdom since they were first drawn in 1589. They were in the hands of the Astor family since 1903 and last year were bought by an American collector but Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage put an export bar on them pending the funding campaign to keep them in Britain. Many historians were unaware of their existence.

They were secured thanks to two essential grants from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund; and the generous support of the British public. Anyone who would still like to support the ongoing conservation of the Armada Maps can do so on the National Museum of the Royal Navy donation page.

Here are the ten charts showing the sequence of events as the action unfolds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All images are © National Museum of the Royal Navy. The charts and more detailed descriptions of what is shown can be seen:  HERE

Incidentally CS is using the NMRN’s timeline of the Armada, which differs from the Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea and from the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich, which has a very odd timeline: See Here

Professor Dominic Tweddle, Director General of the National Museum of the Royal Navy commented: “Like many cultural and heritage institutions 2020 was an exceptionally tough year but we rallied and I am incredibly proud that we have made sure that the Armada Maps have been saved for generations to come. I would take this opportunity to place on record my gratitude to all those who answered our call to help. It was an amazing response from our funding partners and the public, who dug deep in extremely difficult times, to save these treasures.”

These ten ink and watercolour ‘Armada Maps’ present a defining moment in England’s national and naval history. They depict in real time a Navy defending England’s shores against invasion by the 16th century’s imperial super-power of Spain, with each map detailing the position in the Channel of individual ships in the English and Spanish fleets. The defeat of the Armada and the 16th century’s super-power was a turning point in forging England’s complex identity as it developed into the modern age.

The charts offer the opportunity to explore the role of the Navy throughout history as a protector of an Island Nation. Museums are uniquely placed to work with people and communities to provide space and opportunities to explore issues on a social and political level particularly now as the UK enters a new phase in our role on the global stage.

Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage said: “The Armada Maps, first drawn in 1589, are an important piece of British heritage serving to remind us of this pivotal naval battle. The export bar system exists so we can keep nationally important works in the country and I am delighted that, thanks to the tireless work of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the Armada Maps will now go on display to educate and inspire future generations.”

René Olivieri, Interim Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “We at the National Heritage Memorial Fund are delighted to support the acquisition of these rare and significant maps, which illustrate in incredible detail the defeat of the Spanish Armanda, a key moment in England’s history.  By safeguarding them from export, we can ensure that these maps remain in the UK as they have done since the 16th century. We’re proud that the Spanish Armada maps will join the wide range of iconic artefacts and places across the UK that the NHMF has played a vital role in saving for the nation.”

Sarah Philp, Director of Programme and Policy for Art Fund stated: “Art Fund is so pleased to help save these irreplaceable maps for the nation, which not only evoke an iconic event in the history of England, but prompt reflection on the influence that history has on the present day. I know they will enthral visitors when they go on public display for the first time at the National Museum of the Royal Navy. As a charity, Art Fund relies on the generosity of its 159,000 members, and we are especially grateful to them for continuing to support the vital work of developing collections, during this very challenging time for museums.”

To ensure that the maps can be viewed and enjoyed by members of the public for a first time a new phase of fundraising has now started. The National Museum of the Royal Navy wishes to place the maps on display during 2021 and has longer term plans for them to tour the country when current COVID restrictions permit. Sponsors or partners wishing to support the campaign to support the display and tour are encouraged to contact fundraising@nmrn.org.uk

 THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE ROYAL NAVY

The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN), established in 2009, tells the story of the four fighting forces of the British Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Fleet Air Arm, the Submarine Service and the Surface Fleet. It covers the epic story of the Royal Navy, its impact on Britain and the world from its origins in 625 A.D. to the present day.

The Museum Group includes the Royal Naval Museum, the Fleet Air Arm Museum, the Royal Navy Submarine Museum with HMS Alliance, Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower, the Royal Marines Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Caroline, HMS M33, HMS Warrior and NMRN Hartlepool (including HMS Trincomalee).

Further information is available on www.nmrn.org.uk

Due to Covid the NMRN and its sites are closed until at least the end of March 2021 and a significant proportion of staff are on furlough.

From a press release by NMRN

THE NATIONAL HERITAGE MEMORIAL FUND

The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) was set up in 1980 to save the most outstanding parts of our national heritage, in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK www.nhmf.org.uk @NationalHeritageMemorialFund

THE ART FUND

Art Fund is the national fundraising charity for art. It provides millions of pounds every year to help museums to acquire and share works of art across the UK, further the professional development of their curators, and inspire more people to visit and enjoy their public programmes. In response to Covid-19 Art Fund has made £2 million in adapted funding available to support museums through reopening and beyond, including Respond and Reimagine grants to help meet immediate need and reimagine future ways of working. Art Fund is independently funded, supported by the 159,000 members who buy the National Art Pass, who enjoy free entry to over 240 museums, galleries and historic places, 50% off major exhibitions, and receive Art Quarterly magazine. Art Fund also supports museums through its annual prize, Art Fund Museum of the Year. In a unique edition of the prize for 2020, Art Fund responded to the unprecedented challenges that all museums are facing by selecting five winners and increasing the prize money to £200,000. The winners are Aberdeen Art Gallery; Gairloch Museum; Science Museum; South London Gallery; and Towner Eastbourne.

https://www.artfund.org/