William Wyllie is acknowledged as one of the leading and most prolific marine artists at the turn of the century. A former winner of the Turner Gold Medal, his work remains at the forefront of marine art.

Wyllie's association with Portsmouth is intertwined with HMS Victory, having moved to Portsmouth in 1907, where he lived until his death. He campaigned vigorously for the restoration of HMS Victory as a founder member of the Society for Nautical Research.

Lectures by leading experts in their fields will reveal not only the life and times of Wyllie, but also his artistic style, and how the struggle continues even today to preserve his legacy for future generations. There will also be a walking tour around Old Portsmouth, bringing to life many of the places Wyllie lived and worked, as well as the locations where he painted.

Enhancing the weekend will be a medley of Gilbert and Sullivan accompanied by readings; tunes which William used to whistle while he painted, as well as the opportunity to purchase original Wyllie works of art.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy is delighted to confirm:

Nigel Grundy, a personal friend of the Wyllie family and recognised by many as a leading expert on the life and works of W L Wyllie.

Richard Pelter founder of the International Fine Art Conservation Studios. His company undertook a major restoration of perhaps Wyllie's most famous work, the Panorama of the Battle of Trafalgar, which is on view in the National Museum.

John T Freeman, artist and lecturer who will deliver his own thoughts on The Textures of the Sea Wyllie and British Romanticism.

Robert Perera, Art Dealer, who will be presenting original works that can be purchased.

The highlight of the weekend is the rare privilege to dine on the lower gundeck of HMS Victory, Nelson's Flagship at Trafalgar, at mess tables slung between the 32-pounder guns.

Profits from this event will go towards the Museum's work in preserving and interpreting the history of the Royal Navy.

A full brochure, including booking form can be accessed via,   

http://www.ecomags.co.uk/williamwyllieweekend/index.html

The cost for the weekend will be £475 per person, excluding accommodation. There is also the option of just booking for the dinner on board HMS Victory on the 8th July 2011 for £150 per person.

If you would like any further information, or to discuss any aspect of the event, please contact:

Giles Gould
The National Museum of the Royal Navy
HM Naval Base (PP66)
Portsmouth
Hampshire PO1 3NH
Tel: +44(0)23 9272 7583
Email: giles.gould@nmrn.org.uk

Programme:

Saturday 9th July

10.00 Coffee on arrival, National Museum of the Royal Navy

10.30 Lecture One Nigel Grundy - The life and works of W L Wyllie Part 1

11.15 Refreshment break

11.30 Lecture One (cont) Nigel Grundy - The life and works of W L Wyllie Part 2

12.30 Lunch - cold fork buffet

13.45 Depart NMRN for a walking tour of Old Portsmouth, approx 1 mile, taking 90 minutes, with breaks. Guests will be taken by coach to the start of the tour and returned to the dockyard at the end, if they wish.

19.00 Drinks Reception & Canapes, accompanied by readings and a concert: Medley of Gilbert and Sullivan.

20.00 Hot buffet supper

Sunday 10th July

09.30 Guided tour of HMS Victory

10.15 The Trafalgar Experience & The Panorama, where guests will be presented with a complimentary copy of 'The Panorama of the Battle of Trafalgar' written by Val Billing

10.45 Coffee on arrival, National Museum of the Royal Navy

11.00 Lecture Two - Richard Pelter, IFACS, 'The Battle with Trafalgar; ship shape and Bristol fashion.'

12.00 Refreshment break

12.15 Lecture Three - John T Freeman, 'The Textures of The Sea' Wyllie and British Romanticism

13.15 Presentation of original works by Robert Perera, Art Dealer, following which, customers will have the chance to purchase an original Wyllie work of art.

13.30 Lunch

15.00 Carriages

Wyllie Weekend 08/07/2011 - 10/07/2011

 Tickets Information

Illustrated talk at Portsmouth Cathedral.

Nigel Grundy will be giving an illustrated talk on the life and work of W.L. Wyllie RA and signing copies of his new book 'In the footsteps of W.L. Wyllie RA, The Old Portsmouth Trail, 1906-1931' at Cathedral House, Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral on Wednesday 1st June at 7.30 pm.

Tickets are £5.00 from the Portsmouth Cathedral bookshop, www.portsmouthcathedral.org.uk