Sutton Hoo (impression): the ship burial of Anglo-Saxon High King Raedwald 625 AD. Painted relief by Robert N. Mellamphy reproduced by kind permission of Woodbridge Riverside Trust, installed in The Longshed, Woodbridge, February 2022.

This fine painted relief work by the late Robert Mellamphy (known to Ipswich Society members for his works in Lady Lane and St Mary-at-Elms Church) recently found a home in The Longshed on Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge. The Woodbridge Riverside Trust (WRT) is the custodian of this work from the Mellamphy family. The Trust has recently installed the relief in their gallery and the organisation is, perhaps, best known for facilitating projects such as the first ever full-size reconstruction of the Sutton Hoo burial ship, which is being carried out by the Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company in the large area below the gallery.

Do visit the Longshed and nearby museum. The former Whisstock’s boatyard has been developed for heritage and leisure purposes and includes a bar/restaurant and shops. The ship and relief can be viewed on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays between 11am and 1pm.

Bryan Knibbs, Chair of the WRT, points out that the relief is in need of some conservation work and cleaning. Perhaps Ipswich Society members know of someone who could carry out this work for them.

 

 

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