The Cutty Sark Conservation Project is truly a unique enterprise and no other historic vessel has been conserved in this way. The ship is constructed of a variety of materials which complicates the process of conservation, and therefore a unique conservation plan has been developed for Cutty Sark.
A substantial part of the vessel dates from her working life—despite the fire damage she will still be over 90% original upon completion of the project. The conservation principles of the Trust are to conserve, rather than replace or restore, the ship to ensure that the fabric of the ship that travelled to China, and sailed round Cape Horn on the way back from Australia, is still with us throughout the 21st century.
Conservation of the vessel includes treatment of the corroded metal frames, consolidating the wooden hull planks, ensuring against further deterioration of the structure and inserting a new support structure to relieve the pressure on the keel and provide even support around the hull.
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