The Cutty Sark Conservation Project

Built to last only 30 years, the 1869 clipper was in urgent need of conservation work by the end of 2006 when The Cutty Sark Conservation Project started. The ship is of composite construction, and so the conservation process is a complicated one! 

This is the biggest overhaul the ship has had in over fifty years and will ensure that no major work is required for another fifty years.

Find out more about the process of conservation.

New exhibitions

The Project will not only conserve the vessel, but will also result in a greatly enhanced visitor attraction with exciting new exhibitions as well as live interpreters presenting stories from the ship’s eventful history. An inspiring learning resource, when re-opened Cutty Sark will bring the bygone era of sail to life. 

A new experience

The new support system will hold the ship 3m above the floor of the dry berth. Visitors will be able to walk underneath the ship and appreciate the beautiful shape of her hull which enabled her to glide speedily through the water, and made her the fastest and most successful ship of her day. 

This exciting new space under the ship will be a dazzling, impressive and truly unique venue in London. To find out about booking the hottest new place in town for your event.  

Re-opening 2011

The ship was originally due to re-open in 2009 but Cutty Sark suffered a major fire on 21 May 2007 which resulted in a 14-month delay on the project and significantly increased costs. Thankfully, due to heroic fire-fighting there was amazingly little damage to the ship’s original material and the Conservation Project can continue as planned. With additional significant financial contributions from The Heritage Lottery Fund and Sammy Ofer, The Cutty Sark Conservation Project is back on course, due to re-open 2011.

Keep In Touch

The website is regularly updated with information on the progress of the Conservation Project. Email us at enquiries@cuttysark.org.uk if you would like to be added to our mailing list.