In the summer of 1815, for ten dramatic days, HMS Bellerophon was anchored in Plymouth Sound with the self-styled French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte on board.
Napoleon had been defeated at Waterloo and surrendered himself into the care of the Royal Navy. The lengthy and costly Napoleonic Wars were over – but what to do with Napoleon now?
During the wars, ‘Boney' had been portrayed as a 'monster' and 'disturber of the peace' – yet he was a folk-hero to the lower classes of all nations, even those he fought against.
Our exhibition is centred on the popular painting from our collections by Jules Girardet and explores the differing perceptions of Napoleon on his journey to Plymouth.
It also looks at the ship (commonly known as ‘Billy Ruffian') and the scenes in Plymouth Sound.
Why did so many people flock to see Napoleon? Were they curious or sympathetic? Was he a celebrity or a threat?
Related events:
Family activities
Holiday Drop-In: Billy Ruffians
Drop in, get 'ship shape' and design your own 'Billy Ruffian'!
Wednesday 19 August 2015
Lunchtime talks
Lunchtime Talk: The Arrival of Napoleon in Brixham
Learn about Napoleon's escape from Elba, defeat at Waterloo and journey to Berry Head.
Tuesday 21 July 2015
Lunchtime Talk: Napoleon in Plymouth Sound in 1815
Listen to a presentation about Napoleon's surrender, journey to Plymouth and the scenes in the Sound 200 years ago.
Tuesday 28 July 2015
Art bites
Art Bite: Napoleon 200
Come along and join our exhibition researcher, Clive Charlton for a tour around the show.
Wednesday 15 July 2015
Wednesday 23 September 2015
ADDRESS:
Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AJ
UK
01752 304774
museum@plymouth.gov.uk
Opening hours
Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm
Saturday 10am to 5pm
Free entrance
Langue(s) : English