The Old Royal Naval College in Maritime
Greenwich is set to mark the 300th
anniversary of its Painted Hall. Reporter VICKI FOSTER finds out more.
The Old Royal Naval College was designed by artist Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1696 and 1751.
It started life as the Greenwich Hospital for Seamen, which provided a home for retired and
injured sailors.
Artist Sir James Thornhill was commissioned by the hospital to paint the hall in 1708, and he completed it in phases up to 1727.
It became the Royal Naval College in 1873, until the departure of the Royal Navy in 1998, and the hall was regularly used as a dining room.
Today, tourists visit it during the day, while at evening events guests can eat in the dining hall.
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Sir James was paid by the square yard at the rate of £3 for the ceilings and £1 for the walls, amounting to a total of £6,685, two shillings and four pence.
His payment was often late and it is believed the strange hand gesture in his personal portrait on the West Wall may be a request for money.
One of the paintings in the Painted Hall
Visitors were admitted for 3d (1.25p) each and offered an explanatory leaflet in English and French, written by the artist.
The theme of the huge Lower Hall ceiling is the triumph of peace and liberty over tyranny, and it also pays tribute to King William and Queen Mary and British maritime power.
In 1824, the hall became the National Gallery of Naval Art, and it remained so until the 1930s when its contents were transferred to the newly created National Maritime Museum.
Maggie Whisson has been a Yeoman guide at the college for four years and thinks the hall's
atmosphere is amazing.
The 48-year-old said: "You see something different every time you enter the hall. You never really feel like you know it.
"So many visitors say it is fantastic to look at. It really is a special place.
"There are many paintings, which include mythological creatures, the signs of the zodiac and four continents."
Maritime Greenwich was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997 for its architectural, scientific, maritime and royal associations.
Sir James started painting the hall on June 29, 300 years ago, and the anniversary will be marked on that date this year by a children's art day.
Youngsters can attend a drop-in workshop between noon and 3pm to create their very own piece of the Painted Hall.
A £1 donation per child is requested and the event is recommended for five to 11-year-olds.
Both the Painted Hall and the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, which is part of the Old Royal Naval College, offer free public entry and daily guided tours.
Other key attractions within the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site include the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Theatre and the Royal Park.
For further information, visit greenwichwhs.org.uk or call the Greenwich Tourist Information Centre on 0870 608 2000.
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