Conservation departments
The Edmund Gardner pilot cutter
Caring for historic ships and boats in a conservation context is a relatively recent development. Ships in particular have traditionally been cared for in a restoration and repair concept. However, we aspire to preserve them in a similar manner to more traditional museum objects.
The shipkeeping conservation section has built a reputation for excellence in this field. We take a holistic and inventive approach to preserving and restoring those special ships and boats that are the backbone of our maritime heritage. By the integration of both craft and conservation skills, we have developed particular expertise across several disciplines related to conserving and restoring ships, boats and related objects. Emphasis is placed on retaining and protecting original material where possible and replicating components in original form where necessary.
The department has responsibility for a collection of vessels that include the Liverpool Pilot cutter ‘Edmund Gardner’ and the schooner ‘De Wadden’, the last sail ship to trade on the Mersey. Our collection of some 80 wooden boats spans three centuries. It represents virtually all construction types. Caring for these vessels can range from the delicate conservation of a small and fragile wooden boat to the replication of the complex masting and rigging of a large sailing ship.
Steel ships can contain virtually every material that is encountered in museum conservation. Even a small cargo ship can contain all the necessities of civilised life in addition to its structure and machinery. Wooden vessels are similarly complex structures. They often extend wood usage to the limits of its tolerance. Department staff share a unique pool of expertise that enables every aspect of care and conservation related to such diverse vessels to be achieved in-house.
The department is regularly consulted by both national and regional museums throughout the British Isles for direction and advice on ship and boat care and conservation. We have provided services ranging from devising exacting conservation programmes for unique boats, to the detailed recording of historic vessel structures.