I think the 534 brings to mind a few interesting discussions. The first is just who has ownership of historical artifacts? I think it would be difficult to justify agreeing that a council has the right to do what it wants with something of historical significance. Items such as that should surely be controlled at a national level by an organization along the lines of English Heritage or the National Trust, with no political or financial affiliations. Certainly some form of body tasked with the preservation of historical artifacts. I think that is something we don't do as we'll as we used to and too many things are being lost forever rather than being preserved.
The second interesting point is that I remember very well the uproar when the 534 was brought to Liverpool. All of a sudden everyone had an immediate affiliation with an "Uncle Albert", who had been torpedoed during the war and this hated symbolism of those times had no place in Liverpool etc. Now it is cut up, painted grey and looking more like a kiddies playground. I can't help but wonder whether the initial feelings had something to do with the eventual fate of the submarine!!
As for seeing it yes I have, and I think it has completely lost it's impact for being presented in this way. It was a far better exhibit when seen with HMS Onyx, HMS Bronnington and HMS Plymouth in Birkenhead which now, unfortunately have all been split up.
As has been mentioned on other threads I think the Germans do a better job of preserving history in a much better realistic way and avoid making it al look that bit more palatable. Their concentration camp museums reduce everyone to tears and have a far bigger impact, which will hopefully help us all to try to avoid a repetition. Is it interesting to think that although we quote regularly "Lest We Forget" it may be the Germans who are remembering far more accurately?
Just food for thought.