A historic working boat which played a key role in fighting fires in London during World War II is set to celebrate her 90th birthday.
Sculptor, which is owned by the Canal & River Trust and normally moored outside the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, began her working life in November 1935 when she joined the fleet of the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company.
To mark the anniversary, the Trust is hosting a special display celebrating the vital role Sculptor has played on the nation’s waterways. The display, taking place within the Canal Museum on 28 and 29 November, will bring together historic photographs and other artefacts telling the story of the boat’s working life.
The museum shop and cafe will also be taking part in the celebrations with special souvenirs and even a birthday cake.
Sculptor is one of a small number of working boats that still navigate on the canal. Originally paired with a second boat, Toucan, she was used to transport a variety of cargo such as cotton and coal from London to the Midlands. During WWII Sculptor was called into action to help with firefighting duties in London, helping to pump water from the city’s canals to extinguish fires caused by bombing.
After the war she was used as a canal maintenance boat on the Shropshire Union Canal before being taken out of service in 1985.
Today, Sculptor is cared for by a dedicated team of volunteers and supported with donations from local funders, including the Friends of the Canal Museum, who all work together to bring her story to life for people visiting the area.
“Sculptor is the most amazing historic boat, and she brings the story of the nation’s formerly industrial waterways to life at events around the country and for visitors to Stoke Bruerne," said Jannette Warrener, destination & attractions manager for the Canal & River Trust.
“We hope that people come along and celebrate the occasion with us, see Sculptor for themselves and find out how they can help us to care for her for years to come.”
For more information visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.
