Conservation
As a charity, we exist to conserve the steam ship Great Britain – arguably one of the most innovative maritime vessels ever built – so that future generations can discover its ingenuity and be inspired by its pioneering technology.
The SS Great Britain’s wrought‑iron hull was the first of its kind, enabling a long and influential working life at sea. However, preserving such a groundbreaking vessel presents a uniquely complex challenge, demanding innovation on a scale worthy of Brunel himself.
The conservation challenge
The Great Western Dockyard was purpose‑built to construct this revolutionary ship, making it a fitting final home. But the historic dry dock was far from dry.
Bristol’s naturally damp climate leaves the ship at constant risk. When oxygen and moisture meet iron, corrosion begins, turning strong Victorian metal into brittle rust. Decades of salt absorbed into the hull during its seafaring years make this even worse. The salt draws moisture from the air, accelerating corrosion, even beneath paint layers or previous repairs. Without decisive intervention, the hull would eventually become structurally unsafe for visitors. Time was running out.
Inspired by Brunel’s innovations, a team of conservators, curators, architects and engineers created a pioneering way to preserve the unique iron hull. Research showed that kept dry enough, the ship could survive. So we designed a system to do exactly that.
A world-first engineering solution
Creating a controlled climate
At the waterline a glass plate, fitted around the ship, keeps out the elements and allows humidity to be carefully controlled.
Two custom-designed dehumidifiers deliver 75,000 cubic metres of dried air per hour directly to the areas with the most salt and therefore at greatest risk. Sensors positioned around the ship and dry dock monitor the hull constantly, adjusting the dehumidifiers automatically to keep conditions stable, whatever the weather. A thin layer of water on the glass insulates the dry dock below, while from above the ship looks ready to set sail. Sensors positioned around the ship monitor the hull constantly, adjusting the dehumidifiers automatically to keep conditions stable, whatever the weather. A thin layer of water on the glass insulates the dry dock below, while from above the ship looks ready to set sail.
Protecting the Upper Hull
Above the glass sea the salt content is lower, but corrosion is still a threat. A team of conservators removed decades of rust using specialist cleaning methods, and the iron is now protected from the Bristol weather using our custom-formulated three-layer paint system. Regular paint checks and repairs keep the hull safe and looking as it did at its 1843 launch. This system effectively slows down time, extending the ship’s life for another hundred years.
Strength from within
Taken out of the water, the loads through the ship’s structure shift in a way it was never designed to withstand. Hidden inside the hull, a custom-designed internal frame now helps to support the weight of the ship.
Help us stay ship-shape
Our award-winning conservation work costs an estimated £500,000 every year. Your support is essential to keep the SS Great Britain stable, safe, and ready to be discovered.