The Arsenal as Spectacle.

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  • Author(s): Werrett, Simon
  • Source:
    Nineteenth Century Theatre & Film. Summer2010, Vol. 37 Issue 1, p14-22. 9p.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      Arsenals; History of London, England; Tourist attractions; Artillery
    • Subject Terms:
      London (England); England
    • Abstract:
      This essay uses Scott Hughes Myerly's recent analysis of military spectacle in Victorian Britain to reveal the spectacular dimensions of the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich in London, home to the Royal Artillery. Reconstructing the sights of Woolwich as a tourist attraction, this essay illustrates how Woolwich's spectacles were intended to instill martial values in the artillery and in the public, and how they shaped civic theatre and public spectacles such as firework displays. The Arsenal's capacity for staging spectacle also assisted in developing new technologies, as officers used dramatic demonstrations of innovative weapons to prove their effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]