Napoleonic Newsdesk

Artillery in Miniature at Fort Nelson

by Paul Chamberlain

Before the advent of the computer, models were the only way in which military designers could demonstrate their innovations. A model could be a full sized version of the real thing in clay or a complete series of miniatures guns. The skill and craftsmanship of these early model makers has been captured in the models they created. The Royal Armouries latest exhibition Artillery in Miniature explores the world of model making from the 18th Century to the present day. The models from the Royal Armouries collection have been complemented by those of the Museum of the Royal Artillery Institution at Woolwich and other institutions and were either donated by important dignitaries or were built for engineers such a William Congreve.

Model making is a very old process connected with the traditional method of sculpting a replica for the casting process. The Tower of London employed men known as modellers throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries whose job involved construction and maintenance work on guns and carriages. The exhibition also includes some toys and real weapons, all of which appear to be models and illustrates the close relationship between the different forms of models and their use.

The exhibition displays approximately thirty models ranging from the exquisite Russian models donated by Tsar Alexander I to the Duke of Wellington, and the ultramodern electromagnetic gun intended to replace the main armament of tanks in the 21st Century.

The exhibition will be on display at the Royal Armouries Museum of Artillery at Fort Nelson until 10th September 2000.

Fort Nelson is situated at Down End Road, Fareham, PO17 6AN (near Portsmouth, Hants). Further details of their events may be obtained from the above address or telephone 01329 233734; 24 hour recorded information line 01329 822985; or visit their website at www.armouries.org.uk

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