Conference a homecoming for the Edwin Fox

When Edwin Fox Maritime Museum Manager Karen McLeod takes the podium at The Royal Institute of Naval Architects, (RINA) Historic Ships Conference in England this November, it will be a homecoming of sorts for the ship she represents.

“Even though she was built in India, London was the Edwin Fox’s home port so it’s wonderful to be able to speak at such a prestigious event about her,”

Karen said.

The trip is funded by the newly established

Edwin Fox Bequest Trust, set up to administer donations for the Edwin Fox, and is the first allocation of funds from the legacy of Dr John Lesley Hunt OBE, whose grandfather Frederick Everard Hunt was the ship’s surgeon.

Karen’s abstract, titled ‘The secret ship you have never heard of at the other end of the world, preserved against all odds by a handful of enthusiastic town locals’ is one of several international presentations at the iconic Greenwich Maritime Museum conference. “I was blown away to be selected,” Karen said. “The Edwin Fox will be in good company with presentations from the Cutty Sark, SS Great Britain and the

USS Midway Museum also on the conference agenda.

A focus of the conference is the conservation of historic vessels which is timely for the Edwin Fox as we are reviewing what needs to be done to preserve and protect this incredible heritage ship into the future.” A recent condition report completed by maritime archaeologist Sara Gainsford highlighted the unique challenges the preservation of the ship presents. The report also highlights a need for reduced visitor impact on the vessel in line with best practice at maritime museums internationally.

“As a result, this means visitors can no longer board the vessel. The museum will continue to open as normal with exhibits, commentary and artefacts on display and viewing of the ship will still be available,” Karen said.

Council Project Lead - Arts, Culture and Heritage Nicola Neilson said Karen’s visit to the UK was timely as she will talk with international conservation specialists while there to source specialist knowledge, partnerships and generate interest in the Edwin Fox Preservation Project.

Council was focused on conservation efforts to protect the Edwin Fox. “Reimagining and improving the visitor experience in partnership with the Edwin Fox Bequest Trust is an important part of that. We have some exciting prospects for visitors to the ship going forward,” Nicola said.

For more information go to: www.edwinfoxship.nz

Edwin Fox Maritime Museum Manager Karen McLeod