Bluebird Project
Whilst collecting objects of interest for my reliquaries, I came across a small model replica of Campbell's Blue bird K7.
It was during this process that John Getty of PDS Engineering asked me if I would do a piece for the Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Cumbria. The said piece is now with him awaiting it's resting place.
Designed by the Norris Brothers, Bluebird K7 was constructed at Samlesbury Engineering and was first launched on Lake Ullswater on the 11th February 1955. By the time Donald Campbell made his last run on 4th January 1967, the craft had taken the World Waterspeed Record a total of seven times. He was attempting to push the record over 300 mph when he was tragically killed on his second run on Coniston. Neither the boat nor her gallant driver were recovered from the Lake for over 34 years.
In 2001 after a great deal of research and effort, diver Bill Smith recovered Bluebird K7 from the depths of Lake Coniston. Shortly afterwards he was also able to bring the remains of Donald Campbell back from the deep to be given a proper burial. It was decided that the wreck of the boat would be restored as authentically as possible to its former glory. PDS Engineering were chosen to piece together the frame back to its original strength to be the core of the project.
In 2001 after a great deal of research and effort, diver Bill Smith recovered Bluebird K7 from the depths of Lake Coniston. Shortly afterwards he was also able to bring the remains of Donald Campbell back from the deep to be given a proper burial. It was decided that the wreck of the boat would be restored as authentically as possible to its former glory. PDS Engineering were chosen to piece together the frame back to its original strength to be the core of the project.