It’s said that in many ways Shakespeare’s play ‘The Tempest’ is a very autobiographical work. There is also reason to believe that he wrote it while in residence at New Place, and today’s behind-the-scenes preview celebrates that.
‘The King’s Ship’ is named for a direct quotation from the closing scene of ‘The Tempest’. Wrought in metal by Ben Ryan and Rupert Todd, it will resemble a ship of Shakespeare’s period afloat in rough seas. It’s evocative of the journeys Shakespeare takes us on in the mind, and of the global maritime exploration that was taking place during his lifetime.
Ben Ryan explains: “‘The King’s Ship’ is a sculptural expression of the wonder found in Shakespeare’s works, both in his own literary craft and in the imagination his works set free in the reader. The ship from ‘The Tempest', one of Shakespeare’s most magical plays, is a sculptural representation of the beauty of Shakespeare’s writing and of the world which was unfolding in front of him.”
Shakespeare’s New Place opens summer 2016. Come and walk in Shakespeare's footsteps and meet the man behind the works in a fascinating new exhibition. Discover beautiful gardens and specially-commissioned artworks.
Find out more about Shakespeare's New Place.