HMS Victory shortlisted for best conservation project
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HMS Victory: The Big Repair has been named as one of the UK’s best conservation and restoration projects, following stellar progress over the last 12 months in the ambitious effort to preserve the 18th-century ship for future generations.
The ten-year scheme, scheduled for completion in 2032, has been commended by the Museums + Heritage Awards (dubbed the Oscars of the museums world), for its innovative and creative approach to restoring Britain’s most famous warship.
The award nomination follows a series of key achievements during the £42m restoration project, including:
- Completing extensive timber replacement on Victory’s hull to address significant rot that was found within the ship’s structure.
- Partnering with Cranfield University to uncover a wealth of new information about the behaviour of the deathwatch beetle, which has been plaguing the ship since it was first identified aboard in 1932.
- Applying innovative and cutting-edge technology to integrate images of the ship into a comprehensive digital 3D model, allowing work to be carried out more efficiently.
HMS Victory remains open at the dockyard so visitors can continue to explore Admiral Nelson's flagship, and watch the conservation team in action across three floors of viewing platforms.
Head of Conservation Diana Davis said:
“Repairs to the hull have been progressing well and following years of conservation science research, activities now focus on the completion of the starboard side of the hull and the conservation of the oldest oak frames on the port side of the ship.
Uncovering the hidden areas of the ship’s historic fabric isn’t something that happens often and we are finding something new every day. We are also continuing with modelling and materials research that will allow us to ensure the new hull is protected for decades to come, and as a result, we can share our findings with other historic ships, nationally and worldwide, as well as continuously improve our own approach.
Our visitors are fascinated by the work that goes on as part of The Big Repair, and giving them unprecedented access to see the work take place in real-time is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
The Museums + Heritage Awards show celebrates the very best in museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage visitor attractions, and HMS Victory: The Big Repair is one of five shortlisted in the category for UK Best Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year.
Project Manager Simon Williams added:
"It’s fantastic to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award, an achievement made possible by our expert team of shipwrights, conservators, archaeologists, and riggers who work tirelessly to protect this icon of Britain’s naval history.
As well as conserving the ship to ensure she can survive for at least the next 50 years, we are keen for the project to engage, educate, and excite the public visiting the Dockyard. People can find out more via our dedicated Victory Hub on the National Museum of the Royal Navy website.”
The winners will be announced on 15 May during the ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London.
To read the latest project updates, milestones, and stories visit our HMS Victory: The Big Repair Information Hub to learn more.