Rebecca Parrant, Interpretation Manager at the Royal Navy Museum, is shedding light on how interpretation efforts are helping visitors connect with HMS Victory and 'The Big Repair' project, both in person and online. The project aims to go beyond mere ship conservation, focusing on helping people grasp the significance of the ongoing work and the stories embedded within the historic vessel.
While many visitors envision shipwrights and conservators working amidst the scaffolding, Parrant highlights the crucial behind-the-scenes team dedicated to helping the public understand the conservation process. Her role involves collaborating with specialists to translate research, conservation techniques, and technical knowledge into engaging visitor experiences. These experiences include exhibitions, films, live talks, and digital content, all designed to foster a deeper connection with HMS Victory and its preservation.
Visitor feedback indicates a strong fascination with the specialists involved in 'The Big Repair'. Visitors particularly enjoy hearing directly from the experts, gaining insight into the required skills, witnessing conservation in action, and understanding the decision-making processes. These interactions often become a highlight of their visit.
In response to this feedback, the museum has introduced initiatives like the 'Meet the Team' programme, offering direct engagement with conservators, shipwrights, and archaeologists. The museum is also exploring further opportunities for audience engagement, aiming to place the team at the centre of the visitor experience to foster a greater appreciation for both the ship and the expertise needed for its care.
The new stern walkway offers visitors an unprecedented perspective of HMS Victory, allowing them to see areas typically hidden from view and gain a closer understanding of the conservation programme's scale and complexity. New interpretation along the route explains these sights and reveals stories uncovered during the ongoing work.
An external scaffold wrap, anticipated in November 2026, is expected to improve visitor wayfinding and create a clearer focal point for those arriving at HMS Victory. This wrap will also serve to communicate that the ship remains open for exploration and introduce the major conservation work underway.
Recognising that not everyone can visit in person, the museum is increasingly focusing on digital engagement. The HMS Victory Information Hub provides updates on conservation milestones, project progress, research findings, and behind-the-scenes stories. The 'Victory Live' film series on the RNM YouTube channel further offers insights into the project, featuring the people involved and documenting key developments.
These platforms enable a global audience to follow HMS Victory's conservation journey and discover emerging stories. Parrant emphasised that while conservation protects the ship, interpretation helps people understand the importance of this work. Each element, from exhibition panels to online content, serves to reveal more of HMS Victory's story and create meaningful connections between the audience, the ship, and the efforts to secure its future.
