News / Bristol Dockyards
SS Great Britain site becomes Bristol Dockyards
Signage has started to appear around the SS Great Britain site to mark its new name of Bristol Dockyards.
It comes ahead of the opening of a new museum next to Brunel’s famous ship which promises to explore the impact of the vessel on the world, on the lives of those on board and on the places to which it travelled.
On the new Bristol Dockyards website, its aims include “to keep the SS Great Britain shipshape for the next generation” and “to create meaningful connections through authentic stories”.
There was widespread condemnation when the SS Great Britain Trust announced the renaming of the site previously known as Brunel’s SS Great Britain but this was mostly due to a misunderstanding that the moniker of the ship itself was being erased.
Look closely at the new Bristol Dockyards signage both in real life and online, and it still says ‘home of SS Great Britain’ – although on Monday evening the name of the ship was still proudly in position in front of its bow.
The SS Great Britain Trust team say the new museum is “reflective of Bristol’s long history of cultural innovation, sustainability and radical engagement with its heritage” – photo: Martin Booth
Brunel Institute director, James Boyd, said: “Bristol is a city shaped by global journeys and so is the SS Great Britain.
“We wanted the new museum to reflect not only the ship’s extraordinary international story but also Bristol’s role in discovering and sharing those connections today.
“By working closely with communities across the city, we’ve been able to bring new perspectives, previously unheard voices and newly discovered histories into the heart of the museum.
“Creating an interactive space where people can connect, learn and discover together will help ensure these stories continue to be shared for generations to come.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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