Royal Armouries to host major international conference in Leeds - Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Experts from around the world will travel to the Royal Armouries (RA) in Leeds for a major international conference on the study of Renaissance arms and armour.
Organised by the International Committee for Museums of Arms and Military History, the conference will welcome 48 senior museum staff and other professionals in the field, from as far afield as Australia.
Discussions relating to recent discoveries and display techniques will form a central part of the agenda – with particular reference to Renaissance arms and armour.
The theme of Weapons and Fortifications of the Renaissance 1400-1700 has been chosen to coincide with the RA’s innovative events programme, marking the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the English throne. After his death in 1547, Henry’s personal armour and weapons formed the foundation for what later became Britain’s national museum of arms and armour at the Tower of London – the RA’s historic home.
The ICOMAM delegates’ busy timetable will also include a visit to Towton, the Wars of the Roses battlefield of 1461, and also to the medieval city of York.
After the conference, scheduled for October 26-28, a group of delegates will take a four-day tour of the Welsh castles of Edward I, led by one of the RA’s own specialist curators.
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Notes
ICOMAM – International Committee for Museums of Arms and Military History
The purpose of ICOMAM is to foster the study of arms, armour, artillery, fortifications, uniforms, flags and medals and to develop and maintain relations between museums and other institutions concerned with the preservation and interpretation of such artefacts. It is one of the 30 International Committees recognized by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). It is the only international organisation of its kind dealing comprehensively with this particular subject area in the field of museology.
ICOMAM holds congresses every three years in accord with ICOM’s timetable, and intervening annual symposia or conferences. It presents the triennial Justus Lipsius Award for outstanding published research in the field.
Notes to editors
- Royal Armouries is the national museum of arms and armour and has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London, Fort Nelson and Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first British national museum to open a permanent presence in another country
- Admission to the museum is free. However, there may be a small charge for some special events.
- Open all year daily, 10am-5pm. Closed 24-25 December
- Ticket booking Line: 0113 220 1985
- Information Line: 08700 344 344
- Website: www.royalarmouries.org
- The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business.
Download the PDF press release.