ss Great Britain

 

For ss Great Britain Trustees

 This first (1843) iron screw propelled ocean going ship, designed by Brunel, and now resting in its Listed original dry dock, required extensive preservation and restoration and new visitor facilities.

 

A glass plate has been inserted at water-line level to allow dehumidification, essential to the ship’s preservation, and the adjacent dockyard buildings restored as an interpretation centre and new way onto the ship. The ship's interior has been extensively restored and the site has been made as accessible as possible within the limits of its historic fabric.

 

Further development of the site includes a new restaurant and the new Brunel Institute.

 

Awards: RIBA Crown Estate Conservation Award, Civic Trust Award & Civic Trust Special Award for Accessibility; Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year; Rough Guide to Accessible Britain Award.