Paint it black: Spurn Lightship restoration in final stages
EXPERT CARE: Spurn Lightship undergoing the final part of its restoration. Pictures by Neil Holmes Photography
By Simon Bristow
A navigational ship that guided generations of vessels along the Humber is in the final stages of restoration before returning to life as a visitor attraction.
The Spurn Lightship is being repainted in its original black in preparation for its return to public viewing as a key part of the Hull Maritime project.
The lightship played a major role in Hull’s maritime industries by guiding vessels as they navigated the Humber estuary, one of the world’s most treacherous waterways, where still today river pilots are required to guide ships in and out.
In June, Spurn Lightship was shotblasted alongside former trawler Arctic Corsair, removing decades of dirt and old paint. New layers of primer have been added to protect it from corrosion and it is ready for a final layer of paint, which will be applied using airless paint machine and sprayed on.
The specialist paint is intended to last for 25 years and should help it withstand the environment in its new dedicated berth in Hull Marina. Below the waterline the lightship will be painted a highly specified red antifouling paint to inhibit plant growth, along with metal anodes which are added to prevent corrosion.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The restoration of one of Hull’s cherished vessels has reached a significant milestone.
“It is exciting to see the Spurn Lightship receive new paintwork as the finishing touches take place. The lantern and light are also being repaired and once this is complete, the lightship will return to a temporary spot in Hull Marina while work is completed to the permanent wet berth.
“It’s great to see the Spurn Lightship given a new lease of life for the residents of Hull and visitors alike to learn more about its role in navigating vessels along the Humber estuary.”
Spurn Lightship will return to a temporary berth on the marina in the coming months for people to view from the shore, while work to the permanent wet berth at the new location takes place. The installation of objects and fit out will get underway in preparation for the opening.
Funding for the wet berth on Hull Marina has been provided for by National Highways.
The lightship is expected to open to visitors in summer 2023, near Murdoch’s Connection and the Holiday Inn.
The restoration of the lightship and the trawler are part of Hull Maritime, a major regeneration project funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Other elements include the creation of a new visitor attraction at North End Shipyard, where Arctic Corsair will be berthed, and the transformational refurbishment of Hull Maritime Museum and Dock Office Chambers.
Built in 1927 by Goole Shipbuilding, Light Vessel No.12 Spurn was based at the Spurn station outside the Humber. The ship was moved inside the river to the Middle station during the Second World War, with its crew armed and given gunnery training alongside instruction in air-raid precautions and first-aid.
The council acquired Spurn Lightship in 1983 and opened it on Hull Marina as a museum.