HMS Victory Restoration

[anteros_lmc]

I'm sure you'll already seen the reports about HMS Victory's new paint job which appeared in the press a couple of weeks ago. I've been following the restoration research for a while so it's fascinating to see what the original 1805 paint colour looks like. In addition to analysing seventy-two layers of paint from the hull, the research team also examined the purser's logs to ascertain the quantities of different colours of paint procured around the time of the battle of Trafalgar. The restoration team knew the existing colour scheme was too dark but it seems that they didn't expect the more authentic paint colours to be quite so pink :) Ironically, the ship's more familiar black and and orange livery is thought to have been similiar to the colours worn by the French fleet.




There's an article summarising the research here; HMS Victory to be re-painted in Battle of Trafalgar colours after 210 years, and one of the many press reports here; Restored HMS Victory raises eyebrows with new pink shade.

Comments

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

It is a fine color I think. They had no notions about pink being a girls color-- and it is not really pink anyway. I think the past was more colorful and nuanced than we imagine anyway. (Like those crazy gaudy Greek statues!)

[vespican.livejournal.com]

I don't see the "pink" in it... a different shade to be sure, and if it is historically accurate, that's what it should be. Actually, I kind of like it.
72 layers of paint... sounds like the Navy, either Royal or US. If you can't clean it or remove it, paint it.
Dave

[katriona-s.livejournal.com]

Then those layers might contain some blood of sailors? Those paint surely tells many things!

[vespican.livejournal.com]

With a ship that fought battles as did HMS Victory, there is no doubt some blood layered in amongst the paint.
Dave

[shepet.livejournal.com]

Not only Royal or US Navy :)
In Soviet Union Navy (well as in Russian and Ukrainian now) was and there are a saying "it is easier to paint over than scrape off".

[vespican.livejournal.com]

The Navy is the Navy, no matter which nation one serves. Only the flag and the uniform varies (somewhat). I suspect the "paint it" syndrome exists in every Navy there is.
Dave

[katriona-s.livejournal.com]

The new colour looks more natural and matches the colour of deck!

[charliecochrane.livejournal.com]

She's more beautiful than ever. Paint and layers of same - very interesting. I learned only yesterday that old Rembrandt's The Night Watch is mainly dark because of the blooming varnish they put on in later years!

[aletheiafelinea.livejournal.com]

Whatever the result is, I thing such historical investigations are fascinating. :)

[shepet.livejournal.com]

I like the 'new old color' :) It looks much more harmonious.

[amaraal.livejournal.com]

Normally I dislike pink, but in diguise :)... We should do a challenge/ prompt: Fifty Shades of Pink lol :)

[stevie-carroll.livejournal.com]

Lovely!