Conservation Plan

Last week an invited audience of historians, curators, conservators and Manx National Heritage staff attended seminars at the Castle Rushen in Castletown to discuss Paul Drury's Conservation Management Plan for the Nautical Museum. The two days were very stimulating and absolutely fascinating. The focus was primarily upon the eighteenth century buildings, their purpose and significance. 

Delegates assemble for the conservation seminar

Wendy Thirkettle (archivist), Edmund Southworth (Director) & Paul Drury

There was a great deal of discussion about Peggy by the by, and I particularly valued the contributions of John Kearon, Master Shipwright and historic vessel conservator, and Andy Wyke, Boat Collection Manager, National Maritime Museum, Cornwall in that regard. We discussed my proposals for the conservation of Peggy in some detail. John and Andy stressed that drying her out, however carefully it is done, will result in considerable shrinkage. This is just something we are going to have to manage and monitor. We also discussed the desirability of a meeting devoted to Peggy and comparable conservation projects, possibly in a year's time.