Bespoke doorsets from ASSA ABLOY Security Doors have been used to secure a purpose-built museum at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which houses a wooden hull that was submerged for 437 years.
Housed in the new Mary Rose museum constructed over a dry dock, the ship was rediscovered in the 1960s, and has been sprayed for the last 18 years with a chemical to preserve its fragile timbers. Displayed behind glass windows, visitors will be able to view the historic hull early next year, when the museum opens to the public.
The corridors surrounding the viewing windows to the ship will play host to the many thousands of artifacts recovered from the hull, while automatic sliding glass doors, provided by ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, control access between the various sections of the museum open to the public.
Security Lower Deck doors also supplied by ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, help to maintain access to the lower deck level that provides essential services to maintain the ships condition, whilst the delicate timber continues to be chemically treated within the hot box – a fabric structure contained within the museum
Brian Sofley, Managing Director for ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said: “The project at the Mary Rose had more considerations than a standard construction project we would be asked to specify for, having to always keep the security of the ancient hull in mind. This presented many challenges, but working closely with contractor, Warings, we were able to design and install the doors whilst protecting the precious cargo!”
For further information on the full range of Powershield steel doors and Safeguard timber doors available from ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, visit www.assaabloy.co.uk/securitydoors or telephone 02892 662200.
