The contrasting preservative or corrosive effects of seawater on a range of materials are displayed at the exhibition from Henry VIII’s 16th century warship, naval, military, domestic, musical and medical artefacts are included.
Materials that look as though they were shaped and carved only yesterday are mostly of wood – ash, beech, box, rosewood, willow and yew. Also in good condition are artefacts made from ceramics, wax, bone, some fabrics and hemp. The fate of metals is more
