The story of the Mary Rose did not end when she was raised from the seabed. For more than forty years, the recovery, conservation and research of Henry VIII’s flagship have been captured on hundreds of hours of analogue videotape. These remarkable recordings preserve not only one of Britain’s greatest archaeological achievements, but also the people, discoveries and moments that shaped the project.

Today, those tapes are becoming as historically significant as the events they recorded.

As analogue technology disappears, the machines needed to play these recordings are becoming increasingly rare.

Join The Mary Rose Trust and the University of Portsmouth for a fascinating weekend exploring the hidden world of audiovisual preservation, where archaeology, heritage, engineering and digital technology come together to protect our shared history.

Whether you remember using VHS recorders at home, worked in television, are fascinated by archaeology, or are simply curious about how museums preserve the past, this unique event offers something for everyone.

Throughout the weekend you can:

• Experience working VHS players and rediscover the technology that changed home entertainment.
• Explore original analogue video formats and learn how moving images were recorded before the digital age.
• Watch live demonstrations using professional broadcast videotape equipment as archive recordings are transformed into digital formats.
• Discover the complete journey from ageing magnetic tape to searchable digital archive.
• Enjoy short talks from heritage specialists, museum professionals and university researchers.
• Meet members of the Mary Rose Collections Team and learn how Portsmouth University is working with the museum to safeguard the Mary Rose Trust’s audiovisual heritage.
• Watch exclusive archive footage documenting the recovery and conservation of the Mary Rose.
• Meet members of the original recovery team, including divers and filmmakers who helped record one of Britain’s most significant archaeological discoveries, and hear first-hand accounts of the extraordinary story behind the images.*

Suitable for all ages.

*Guest appearances by members of the original recovery team are subject to availability.

**This event is free with a valid museum ticket.

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