Sept 2004

Museum's Armada exhibition to open in Spring

The Spanish Armada exhibition under construction in the Tower Museum in Derry will be the biggest project of its kind in Ireland.

In one of the most exciting museum projects to be created in recent years the 'Armada In Ireland Exhibition' will feature the treasures discovered aboard the sunken ship La Trinidad Valencera.

The vessel, one of the largest ships in the Armada fleet was discovered, by the City of Derry Sub Aqua Club, off the coast of Kinnego Bay in Inishowen.

Roisin Doherty, the Head of Heritage and Museum Services at Derry City Council, says the Armada project, which is due to open in the Spring, will be the only one of its kind in Ireland. She said the collection of materials discovered from the wreck in the '70s will appeal to school children, locals and visitors alike.

"Maritime archaeology is a big thing nowadays and provokes much interest among academics as well as the general public," said Roisin. "The Armada Exhibition will be set in the museum's five floor tower, the O'Doherty Fort, which is undergoing extensive renovation. It will tell the exciting stories of the Spanish Armada, life onboard a 16th Century ship, the Armada and Ireland and the tragic fate of La Trinidad's crew along with a range of interactive displays explaining a range of things from buoyancy and tidal movement to underwater archaeological techniques. "The creation of the project is at an advanced stage and the twenty month building scheme will be finished in Spring. We look forward to the arrival of the artefacts which are currently being stored in the Ulster Museum," she added.

The central feature of the exhibition will be the display of the artefacts recovered from La Trinidad Valencera. These include everyday artefacts such as cannons, textiles, pottery, wooden bowls, cannon balls, coins and shoes. In addition the exciting exhibition will also have on loan important artefacts such as armour, ordnance survey information, medical equipment, paintings, documents and charts that will help illuminate the story line.

Roisin says visitors will be surprised at the wealth of material that is set to go on display. She added: "The Armada Exhibition will create rich, historical and educational material for local residents and international visitors. "But it must be remembered this exhibition is also very much a local story placed into the wider context of history".

The discovery of the artefacts in the region, the work of the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club and subsequent recovery of a collection of artefacts affords Derry the opportunity to focus on an international story with a unique local interest. Meanwhile the exhibit will also bring enhanced facilities to the Tower Museum including a new education and exhibition space. An expanded entrance and reception area, a viewing platform on the roof of the O'Doherty Fort and enhanced visitor facilities such as bathrooms and improved disabled access will also enhance the award-winning museum.

The Tower Museum was opened in October 1992 and within its first two years of operation it gained four major awards for its 'Story of Derry' exhibition.

It is predicted the Armada in Ireland Exhibition, which received £1.45 million form the Heritage Lottery Grant will also be a big hit.

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