The opening of a major new museum and cultural venue at The Historic Dockyard Chatham is being heralded as the greatest launch there since HMS Victory!
No.1 Smithery: National Treasure Inspiring Culture, a joint project between Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, the National Maritime Museum, and the Imperial War Museum, officially opened its doors on 24 July. Described as an 'all-round treasure house', it will showcase unique and previously unseen maritime artefacts, national and international touring art, and interactive family learning and entertainment spaces. The launch exhibition in The Gallery, a space for world-class art, is 'Resonance and Renewal', which reunites Sir Stanley Spencer's Shipbuilding on the Clyde paintings for the first time since they were restored by the Imperial War Museum, and is a rare chance to see all eight canvases together (pictured, on display until 12 December).
Also on the must-see list, the 'Salute to the '40s' event which celebrates the drama of Dunkirk with a programme of wartime entertainment (18 and 19 September).