Cutty Sark lives on

The future of the museum ship Cutty Sark in Greenwich, UK, has been safeguarded following a grant of £11.25 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund which will enable the old tea clipper to be protected from further damage for the next 50 years. There had been fears that without a major restoration programme the legendary ship, which has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world, would crumble away in a few years.

The grant came as a last-minute reprieve since, without it, the ship would have had to be closed to the public in 2007, as it was becoming too dangerous. The money will allow the replacement of the main deck, keel and sheathing which are too badly decayed to repair.

A combination of electrolysis, mechanical cleaning and anticorrosion coatings will be used to protect and preserve both the metal and wooden components.

During the repair process the Cutty Sark is to be encased in a transparent inflatable envelope designed by Eden Project architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw. Visitors will be able to view the restoration throughout.