Mabb, David. 2019. 'William Morris’ ‘Tudor Rose’ and the Royal Navy'. In: Morris & Co. Interiors A symposium organised by the National Trust. Art Workers Guild, London, United Kingdom 6 November 2019. [Conference or Workshop Item]

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Abstract or Description

This presentation will investigate the British Royal Navy’s use of Morris’ ‘Tudor Rose’ fabric supplied by Sanderson from the mid 1960s – 90s.

The presentation will look at the use of ‘Tudor Rose’ in the Royal Navy’s surface fleet such as HMS Plymouth. How the fabric was used in bunks, wardrooms and control rooms. Including the now decommissioned conventional diesel-powered submarine HMS Ocelot (The Historic Dock Yard Chatham). Nuclear powered submarines such as the now decommissioned HMS Courageous (Devonport Naval Heritage Centre). And lastly the fabrics use on the nuclear-powered ballistic missile ‘Trident’ submarines which still carry missiles equipped with multiple thermonuclear warheads. The presentation will include footage of a launch of an unarmed ballistic missile by a naval commander sitting in a ‘Tudor Rose’ upholstered seat.

I will conclude by attempting to answer three broad questions. The first is why or how did the Royal Navy acquire ‘Tudor Rose’? Secondly, how do we understand the use of ‘Tudor Rose’, what might it tell us about the fabric in these environments and does it tell us anything about the Royal Navy? Lastly, although fanciful, it is also useful to ask: what would Morris have made of the fabrics use given his politics?

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Art
Dates:	Date Event 6 November 2019 Completed
Event Location:	Art Workers Guild, London, United Kingdom
Date range:	6 November 2019
Item ID:	36315
Date Deposited:	13 May 2024 08:22
Last Modified:	13 May 2024 08:22
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/36315

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