Help build a LEGO portrait of Henry VIII at the Mary Rose Museum this half-term

This end-of-May half term, Mary Rose Museum, in partnership with LEGO building company Bright Bricks, are giving LEGO brick enthusiasts the opportunity to recreate Holbein's portrait of Henry VIII in the form of a four-metre high LEGO brick mosaic, between Saturday 26th May and Sunday 3rd June.

The famous painting of the Tudor king, on display at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, continues to be one of the nation’s most cherished works of art, and promises to provide a rich mosaic for LEGO brick fans.

Helen Bonser-Wilton, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the Walker Art Gallery and Bright Bricks on this exciting project, which will see Holbein’s painting of Henry VIII transformed into a LEGO brick work of art. It’s bound to entertain visitors of all ages visiting the Mary Rose Museum this May half-term.”

Young and old will help build this iconic image of one of England’s most famous monarchs — the king who commissioned the Mary Rose.

Participation costs £5, giving you the opportunity to build an 8 x 8 studded LEGO brick square, which will then be inserted to build up the overall picture. You will receive a certificate of participation and a map showing the location of your LEGO brick square in the portrait.

You will also get the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win a LEGO ‘Ship in a Bottle’ set worth £70. 

Sandra Penketh, Director of Art Galleries at National Museums Liverpool, said: “The Walker Art Gallery’s Henry VIII portrait is one of the most famous paintings in our collection. Younger visitors are often struck by Henry’s imposing presence and the fascinating story that surrounds the Tudor king.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how visitors to the Mary Rose reinterpret the iconic image in mosaic form.”

This summer, the Mary Rose Museum will attempt to break a record with another LEGO brick mosaic. Visitors can participate in the build of a contemporary illustration of the Battle of the Solent, the confrontation between the fleets of France and England which led to the sinking of the Mary Rose in July 1545.

Once complete, it will measure 12 metres wide and three metres tall, and will be the largest LEGO 1 x 1 brick mosaic ever assembled in the UK.