 |
| Seated Cheif Executive Brendan McCarthy |
Jeff was joined by staff from the Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) on Friday 2 May, for the unveiling of the new look he has created for the leading visitor attraction.
Inspired by the naval history of the site, the uniforms consist of a dark blue polywool suit in a choice of styles, with brass buttons on the sleeves and a breast pocket both bearing the ORNC crest. The uniforms are accessorised with a silk tie or scarf printed in fabulous detail with imagery from the Painted Hall, the jewel in the crown of the ORNC. Crisp white shirts and blouses complete the look, together with a smart but practical waterproof jacket also bearing the ORNC logo.
“We are immensely privileged that a designer of Jeff’s stature has created this new look for us,” says Brendan McCarthy, CEO of the Old Royal Naval College. “The uniforms beautifully encapsulate the naval history of the site and we are delighted that they also feature our most spectacular attraction, the Painted Hall.”
“I am so proud to have created the new uniform for the ORNC,” says Jeff It is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Britain and I wanted to incorporate some of these exquisite details into the outfits, whilst ensuring that they were smart, practical and comfortable to wear. I think the staff look fabulous – and they play such an important role in bringing the history of the ORNC alive to the visitors.”
“It is wonderful to have a design that so clearly evokes the naval history of the Old Royal Naval College,” says Don Simms, one of the longest serving visitor assistants at the ORNC whose contribution and commitment was recognised in the award of a British Empire Medal.
Old Royal Naval College
Sir Christopher Wren’s twin-domed riverside masterpiece is one of London’s most famous landmarks. It was built three hundred years ago as the Royal Hospital for Seamen, a refuge for injured and impoverished sailors of the Royal Navy. In the 19th century it became the Royal Naval College, where the Navy’s officers were trained. In 1998 the Royal Naval College moved to Shrivenham and the Greenwich Foundation took over the management of the site with the aim to conserve it for present and future generations, and to provide full access so that a wide and diverse audience may enjoy and share its significance.
Today the ORNC is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK with over 1.8 million visitors a year and includes the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre, the world famous Painted Hall and the Chapel. This historic site stages a year-round programme of events and is home to the University of the Greenwich and to Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. The ORNC is also one of the most popular movie locations with blockbuster films such as Pirates of The Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides, Skyfall, Les Miserables, The King’s Speech, Muppets Most Wanted and the soon to be released Belle and Man from U.N.C.L.E and all partly made on location at the ORNC.
