Wednesday 13 January 2022 in Mylor Theatre, Truro College
In building SS Great Britain, the second of his three great ships, Brunel successfully combined and adapted the very best of cutting-edge technologies to create the world’s first transatlantic liner – a true wonder of the Victorian age.
She was the first ocean-going steamship with an iron hull, and the first driven by a propeller. This extraordinary ship, launched in 1843 as the largest and fastest afloat, transformed shipbuilding and sea travel for ever.
Ian was born and raised on Merseyside, where he spent many an hour watching the arrivals and departures at Liverpool’s busy Pier Head in the 1950s and 60s. This led to his lifelong passion for ships – especially ocean liners. He was a Primary Headteacher and School Improvement Adviser in Bristol for many years, and has been a Visitor Experience volunteer with the SS Great Britain Trust since 2007.
Ian’s enthusiasm for his subject is clearly evidenced in his illustrated talk which tells the ship’s remarkable story from her original design through the different phases of her working life. It also describes her incredible salvage and return to Bristol in 1970, and finally her restoration, preservation and ‘re-launch’ as a multi-award winning museum of international renown.
Ian has delivered his very popular talk at the National Maritime Museum, Falmouth and to a large number of groups including Probus, Rotary, Inner Wheel, WI, National Trust and U3A branches as well as various lecture societies.
PLEASE NOTE:
Due to the Covid situation this lecture will be delivered as a 'Hybrid Lecture' click below for further details.
https://truro.theartssociety.org/news/truro-presents-hybrid-lectures