Game of Thrones exhibition | Belfast | June 2014

Originally posted online on 15 June 2014 at rmchapple.blogspot.com

(http://rmchapple.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/game-of-thrones-exhibition-belfast-june.html)

I know, I know! … This is supposed to be an archaeology blog, so what am I doing taking a tangent off into the world of Game of Thrones? Well … everything and nothing, I suppose.

The obligatory 'Iron Throne' photo

On one level, the books and TV show are a remarkably successful reworking of various Medievally and Renaissancey vibes. On another, the costumes and props are testament to vast skill by a huge variety of amazing craftspeople. Both of these are wonderful and laudable, but it’s not why I wanted to share some images from the exhibition at the Waterfront Hall (which closed today, Sunday June 15th … sorry). Beyond the actors, the CGI and all these fine costumes, sets, and props, quite a bit of the TV show is filmed here in Northern Ireland, my adopted home. So many of the landscapes of Westeros (and some of Essos), so familiar on our screens, are all within driving distance of Belfast. Similarly, quite a few Northern Irish heritage sites also appear in supporting roles, helping bring this entire world to life. So, if you’re a fan, or even if you’ve never heard of the show (where have you been for the last four+ years?), – enjoy the photos and, perhaps, think about coming here to see the real locations for yourself. [Click on any image for larger versions]

Costumes for Daenerys Targaryen

Necklace worn by Daenerys Targaryen at the taking of Yunkai

Dragon eggs

Story boards from Season 3

L: Jaime Lannister R: Brienne of Tarth

Chapple minor surveys a severed hand

By season 7 this wall will be huge ...

Chapple minor surveys a severed wolf head

L: Arya Stark R: Gregor 'The Hound' Clegane

Stick 'em with the pointy end ...

L: Jon Snow R: Ygritte

Jon Snow's sword, 'Longclaw'

'Longclaw': Detail of pommel

Ygritte's bow

Overview of the exhibition

L: Melisandre M: Stannis Baratheon

R: Davos Seaworth

Melisandre's choker with red stone

The Occulus Rift trip to the top of the wall! (Not for the faint of heart!)

Tyrion Lannister

L: Sansa Stark R: Oberyn Martell

Cersei Lannister

L: Margaery Tyrell R: Joffrey Baratheon

Selection of weapons

Eddard Stark's sword 'Ice'

L: 'Oathkeeper' R: Sword of Gregor 'The mountain' Clegane

Inside the exhibition

Sansa Stark's necklace from the Purple Wedding

Petyr_Baelish's mockingbird

Crowns: Top: Margaery Tyrell

Bottom: Joffrey Baratheon

L: Loras Tyrell's Rose R: Hand of the King

Model of the top of the wall

Collection of Wildling artefacts

L: Bran Stark R: Hodor

Check these out: Discover Northern Ireland’s map of GoT locations. Discover Northern Ireland’s post covering much the same territory. Causeway Coast & Glens page on GoT locations. And their downloadable driving tours of the filming locations. Ireland.com video interviews with cast & crew on why they chose Northern Ireland. IMDB’s full list of filming locations.