SCOPE OF WORK

The Cutty Sark Conservation Project is truly a unique initiative. 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. 
 
Conservation of the vessel includes treatment of the corroded metal frames, consolidating the wooden hull planks, ensuring against further deterioration of the structure. 

Ellmer's has been appointed replace the ship's wooden planks that have been restored. The hull's planks were in various degrees of decay and had been removed from the ship to go through the conservation process. The original planks have been retained as much as possible with rotted areas  being cut out and new timber stitched in using epoxy resin.

Work consists of fixing support brackets to the iron frame so that each wooden plank can be returned to its original position and fitted to the hull steelwork. 

A substantial part of the vessel dates from her working life (1869 to 1922). Despite suffering serious fire damage in 2008 she will still be over 90 per cent original upon completion of the project. The Trust's conservation principles are to conserve 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 retained.

Work started on site June 2010 for a period of 20 weeks.

For more information about the Cutty Sark and the conservation project visit The Cutty Sark