Authentic and atmospheric: Historic lightship’s stunning restoration

‘REALLY IMPORTANT’: Curator Robin Diaper. Pictures by Neil Holmes

EXCLUSIVE by Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Final preparations are being made ahead of the reopening of Hull’s Spurn Lightship to the public.

The historic vessel has undergone a major restoration and been moved to a new permanent wet berth on Hull Marina as part of the transformational Hull Maritime project, led by the city council.

Built in 1927 by Goole Shipbuilding, the ship was key to guiding vessels as they navigated the Humber estuary. It was decommissioned in 1975, then purchased by the council in 1983 before being opened as a floating museum on the marina.

Now, as part of the Hull Maritime project, funded by the National Lottery Fund, it has undergone extensive restoration by Dunston Ship Repairs and been moved to a new base close to the Murdoch’s Connection footbridge.

The restoration has retained as much original materials and fittings as possible, whilst ensuring the lightship is well placed to survive continued exposure to the elements as a visitor attraction.

SHIP-SHAPE: Volunteers swabbing the deck

It includes projections, film, immersive sound and graphics, and information boards to enable visitors to explore the lightship and its rich history, and understand what life was like on board.

Work to landscape the area surrounding the vessel is set to get underway in the coming months, ahead of the lightship’s expected reopening in spring 2025.

Curator Robin Diaper told The Hull Story: “Spurn Lightship is a really important part of Hull’s maritime history.

“There was a lot of work carried out previously to make it into a museum – some of which we’ve kept because it made sense for it as a visitor attraction – but with this restoration, we’ve tried to keep as much historical integrity as we could.

“We’ve managed to keep the original deck, and our team of volunteers will continue to maintain it, in the same was as if the lightship was still at sea.

“It will be out in all weathers, so we’ve had to future proof it as well.

“The maintenance of ships is constant, and you can’t rest on your laurels. But we have an amazing foundation now to preserve Spurn Lightship for the next 50-100 years, for future generations to enjoy.

“Due to this investment, it’s highly likely this could be the only lightship left in the UK in 50 years. There are others, but no-one else has invested as we have.

“There are so many places that have lost historic ships, but this is ours to pass on, and we’re very fortunate for that.”

The Spurn Lightship attraction will be open seven days a week and has been made as wheelchair accessible as possible.

ICONIC: The old lantern

Entry will be free, with visitors asked to book slots in advance. Walk-ons will; however, also be accommodated.

On arrival, visitors will be able to watch a seven-minute film delving into the history of the lightship, which includes an interview with former crew member David Whitworth.

Above deck, the iconic lantern which used to guide ships to safety will light up. It will also be connected to the citywide system through which certain buildings and attractions light up a particular colour to recognise key dates and themes.

The original lifeboat above deck has also been restored.

Below deck, visitors can experience what life was truly like on board Spurn Lightship.

Immersive audio includes the old foghorn and crew members talking, with the crew’s quarters faithfully restored down to the last details, based on the original plans.

The Hull Maritime project encompasses the major transformation of Hull Maritime Museum and Dock Office Chambers, the refurbishment of Queens Gardens, the creation of a new attraction at North End Shipyard and a new home for the restored former trawler Arctic Corsair.

Gillian Osgerby, programme director for the Maritime Project, said: “It’s so important that we preserve Spurn Lightship for future generations.

“The restoration work that’s been carried out has been done to a really high standard and the attention to detail to bring the lightship back to life is incredible.

“We’re now in the final stages of the project and we can’t wait to open to the public. It’s very exciting.”