Get a look behind the scenes at the research, writing, designing, and production process of the latest Maritime Museum of BC exhibit with the Exhibits Team. Getting Tiddley: Navy Uniforms from Cap to Boot runs until 14 November 2026 at 744 Douglas Street, Victoria.
About Getting Tiddley: Navy Uniforms from Cap to Boot
Runs 1 May – 14 November 2026
Step into the boots of a recruit and explore the evolution of the Royal Canadian Navy through the uniforms worn by those who served. From the iconic square rig to the high-tech safety gear of today, Getting Tiddley reveals how the navy uniform is a symbol of rank, a tool for survival, and a representation of Canada.
Visit us at the Maritime Museum of BC to learn more about uniforms of the Royal Canadian Navy.
We’re open Tuesdays – Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Presenting “A Story Anyone Can Relate To”
Researching and writing the exhibit & harnessing volunteer knowledge
James Coates, Volunteer & Events Coordinator
The history of Canadian Navy Uniforms is not a topic with a lot of scholarly research or books written about it, as might not surprise you.
Luckily, there are many Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) veterans among the Museum’s volunteers and members. These folks were kind enough to be my primary sources for Getting Tiddley: Canadian Navy Uniforms from Cap to Boot.
When I told them we were doing an exhibit on RCN uniforms a few said “good luck!” thinking that the subject would be too dry and boring for the general public. Through my research I found this was anything but a boring topic: RCN uniform history is about the struggle between tradition and modernity, about Canada growing up as a country and moving out of Great Britain’s shadow, and about how identity is reflected in the uniforms we wear.
A Story to Share
I think this is a story anyone can relate to. Many people wear work uniforms.
Even if they don’t, their workplaces have cultures and traditions that evolve and change, sometimes controversially. Come and see how this story played out in Canada’s Navy, and see some remarkable uniforms and artefacts, through Getting Tiddley at the Maritime Museum of BC.
Finding “The Essence of ‘Getting Tiddley'”
Designing the exhibit and marketing IT
Tina Edwards, Communications & Memberships Coordinator
I had such a great time designing the panels for this exhibit! This was my first time tackling a project of this scale, and I loved having the creative freedom to ensure the visuals complemented James’ narrative.
My favourite part was sifting through our archival photos because there are some real gems in our collection.
Personal Stories and Details
I feel we truly captured the essence of ‘getting tiddley’ in a way that makes the history of Navy uniforms fun and informative for all visitors. Most importantly, we did so while maintaining the utmost respect for the subject matter and the personal stories that bring these artefacts to life. I know visitors will recognize the level of care and detail that went into this exhibit from the staff and volunteers here at the MMBC. We love what we do and we love that we get to share it with others!
Since this is destined to be a travelling exhibit, I can’t wait to see where these panels head next.
Launched in Victoria to Travel the Province
Producing feature exhibits to travel
Brittany Vis, Executive Director
We started planning for this exhibit with a new goal in mind: to make it not only work for our space, but to be adaptable to easily travel to other museums as well so the exhibit can continue to live on after it closes on November 14th.
Knowing we wanted it to travel, we had to think about designing it differently than if we thought about it only for our space. We had to consider other, imagined and known spaces where this exhibit could travel, and to keep in mind the fact that not every museum has the same wall space or the same kinds of display cases available.
Panel Details
Keeping these points in mind, we had to make some changes to how we would otherwise produce an exhibit. We first looked at the materials we printed the panels on. Instead of going with more traditional wall mounted panels, we opted for free floating panel stands that didn’t require a certain amount of wall space. We also had to be careful to not include any text in the main panels that directly speaks about objects on display and keep object labels and panels small and mobile. This allows flexibility by making objects an optional addition to an exhibit loan.
We also became quickly aware that we didn’t need these free-floating panels to be against our walls, but they might not be against a wall in someone else’s space!
We opted to put full photos on the backs of these panels, which gives lots of layout options, maximizing the number of spaces these panels could work in.
While there are still some constraints, like the square footage required and height requirements, we have put in a lot of thought and care into ensuring that this exhibit can travel to as many museums and communities as possible. We hope to see it travel for many years to come.
Interested in an exhibit loan?
Check out our catalogue of past exhibits and email info@mmbc.bc.ca!
We’re Always Tiddley Here at the MMBC…
Special Rates for CAF Members, Veterans, and Military Families
The Maritime Museum of BC is pleased to offer special admission rates for the duration of the exhibition. All active Canadian military personnel, Veterans, and their families will receive 20% off admission. Additionally, any service member who visits the exhibition in uniform will receive free admission for themselves.
Membership at the MMBC
Become a member of the Maritime Museum of BC, and join a community effort to preserve and interpret BC’s maritime heritage and culture.
Along with voting privileges at our Annual General Meeting and exclusive invitations to member events, you will enjoy:
- annual free admission to the Maritime Museum of BC;
- discounts on our programs, events, and gift shop;
- reciprocal admissions or discounts to other museums or organizations, like the Vancouver Maritime Museum, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, and the Victoria Butterfly Gardens;
- 2-for-1 voucher from Lady Rose Marine for a round trip to Bamfield aboard MV Frances Barkley–approximately $95 in savings!
Opening Day in 1955. P3063a, Maritime Museum of BC Collection.
