A Museum for the 21st Century - Explosion!

Priddy's Hard

Mission Statement

Explosion! is an award winning museum of naval warfare created within 18th century buildings at the Royal Navy's former armaments depot of Priddy's Hard, in Gosport, Hampshire.

The museum is housed in a group of listed buildings which centre around the original powder magazine of 1777. These sit on the edge of a delightful camber basin on the western shore of Portsmouth Harbour, with views across to Portchester Castle, Whale Island and the Naval Base.

Explosion! traces the development of naval armaments from gunpowder to the Exocet missile...but the museum is not just about big bangs!

The displays explore the 18th century origins of Priddy's Hard, its historic buildings and earthworks, bringing alive the site's rich history.

There's a fascinating social history too, including the story of how 2,500 women worked on the site during its peak in World War II. It describes the role that Priddy's Hard played in naval operations worldwide for over 200 years, as well as its importance to the local Gosport community, which not only armed the Navy but also fed and watered it.

Nor are the human, social and moral consequences of warfare forgotten -visitors will be provoked as well as educated and entertained.

The museum's extensive and unique collection was mostly assembled by superintendents of the former Naval Armaments Depot at Priddy's Hard. If it hadn't been for their foresight, a large slice of naval history would have been lost. Thanks to their efforts the museum boasts an extensive collection which includes small arms, cannon and guns, shells and munitions, mines, torpedoes and modern missiles. There's even an atom bomb, whose ominous hulk meets visitors on arrival.

But alongside the hardware, Explosion! tells a human story - of the designers, makers, seamen and thousands of female munitions workers who worked with these armaments over the centuries. From the beginning of exhibition, where a simulated locker room reveals Priddy's Hard through the eyes of those who worked there, visitors experience a real sense of the lives which this amazing story has touched.

Throughout the exhibition, the exhibits  are brought to life with dramatic audio-visual effects and scene-setting, computer interactives and hands-on displays.

Explosion! is a modern museum providing a complete visitor experience with a full range of facilities and access for all visitors. There is a gift shop  books and souvenirs and a coffee shop with magnificent views of Portsmouth Harbour.

The galleries and displays which have been created represent a first phase of development for the museum. It is intended that later phases will be developed using the buildings which currently house the extensive reserve collections opposite the Grand Magazine and the impressive 'E'-magazine, sited in the ramparts and reputedly constructed from no less than three million bricks.

There are also plans to convert other buildings within the complex to provide a climate-controlled environment for the museum's extensive archive (currently stored in Winchester), and to enhance the museum's education facilities.

Many of these later developments provide exciting opportunities for corporate sponsors and individual benefactors to become involved in the project. Details of these and other sponsorship opportunities can be obtained from Ian Lycett at Gosport Borough Council.

Explosion! was created for £3.5 million pounds which was funded by the Millennium Commission as part of the Renaissance of Portsmouth Harbour Millennium Scheme.

 

 

 

Mission Statement

 

1. Mission Statement

Explosion! records the development of naval firepower, the history of Priddy’s Hard and the working lives of those who worked here; and explores the human experience of those whose lives have been touched by naval operations in peace and war. 

Our vision:

 - The full story of the Navy's armament and supply should be honoured and in the public eye.

 - The history of Priddy’s Hard and the people involved are a vital part of that story.

 - Explosion!  aims to be the pre-eminent national and international centre of historical expertise in naval warfare. 

Our mission: 

1. To preserve the historical collections and buildings in our care for current and future generations through conservation, interpretation and public access. 

2. To constantly improve knowledge and understanding of the collections through education and research. 

3. To present the themes and stories of Explosion! to the broadest audience, in an engaging, enjoyable and stimulating context.

4. To provide a high level of service to customers which exceeds their expectations and creates a memorable experience that they wish to repeat.

5. To maximise income from operations and fund raising in order to reduce reliance on subsidies and to underpin future development of the museum.

This mission can be summarised as follows: 

• To preserve and interpret

• To educate and research

• To engage and stimulate

• To exceed expectations

• To maximise income 

Our pledge: 

Explosion! is committed to observing and complying with the Code of Ethics for Museums (2002) compiled by the Museums Association. According to this Code, society can expect the museum to: 

• Hold the collections in trust on behalf of society

• Focus on public service

• Encourage people to explore the collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment

• Consult and involve our communities, users and supporters

• Acquire items honestly and responsibly

• Safeguard the long-term public interest in the collections

• Recognise the interests of people who made, used, owned, collected or gave items in the collections

• Support the protection of natural and human environments

• Research, share and interpret information related to the collections, reflecting diverse views

• Review performance to innovate and improve 

Our focus: 

Thus the focus of Explosion! is:

Preserving and interpreting the collections and heritage of Priddy’s Hard to offer a learning, stimulating and enjoyable visitor experience for all.