The Start Of The Project
The ship closed to the public on 5 November 2006 and the Cutty Sark Conservation Project officially commenced on the following day when the deconstruction of the vessel began.
The Project was originally scheduled to run from 2006-2009. As a result of the major fire in May 2007, a significant delay was incurred—as well as a much greater fundraising challenge. The conservation work is continuing but the decision has been taken to strengthen the structure further. As a result of this, the programme has been reassessed and the anticipated completion date is now 2011.
The Project Work To Date
2006
After the removal of the spars and rigging, the three masts were removed from the ship for storage in Chatham Dockyard.
A crane removes the main mast
The deckhouse was removed for storage at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham
2007
At the time of the fire—6 months into the project—the ship’s masts, gear, deckhouses and saloon, along with about half of the original main deck and 200 of her hull planks had already been removed for conservation or storage.
Of the planks that remained on the ship during the fire, only a relatively small number were badly damaged. It has been possible to remove the charring on all the affected planks so that they can be re-hung on the ship at a later date. Overall, less than 2% of the original fabric from her working life as a sailing ship was lost as a result of the fire.
2008
Bow view following removal of hull planks
The last plank was removed for conservation in June 2008 and for the first time since she was built, the ship’s iron frame was fully exposed. The frame has undergone extensive conservation treatment to remove the corrosion and protect against future decay.
Interior view of Tween deck showing the completed frames wrapped to protect them during the ongoing conservation works
Other major milestones successfully reached include the removal of the bowsprit, the rudder and the counter.
2010
The conservation of the ship is progressing well. The installation of additional strengthening steelwork is at an advanced stage the painting of Cutty Sark's wrought ironwork is virtually complete.
Trials for the reinstatement of the hull planks have been completed and the original teak and rock elm strakes are now being refixed to the ship.
Preliminary groundworks to support the new steelwork and glazed canopy have been progressed.
The ship's counter and cutwater have been conserved and re-attached.
The Trust's next main objective is to lift the ship. We are working towards this end and expect this will happen in summer 2010.
To see the progress of the project in more detail, visit our Diary page.
Learn more about the process of conserving Cutty Sark.
The ship is set to re-open in 2011. Email us if you would like to be kept up to date with developments on the project enquiries@cuttysark.org.uk and we will add you to our mailing list.
