The Classic Boat Museum is set to welcome visitors for the 2023 season with an exciting new addition to its collection.
The museum, located off Thetis Road in Cowes, will be showcasing the Fresnel Lens from St Catherine’s Lighthouse, which has not been seen by the public since it was removed in autumn 2021.
The Fresnel Lens arrived at the museum in twenty separate sections, and a team of volunteers had the task of carefully piecing it together like a delicate jigsaw. The volunteers also designed and commissioned a secure steel base for the lens to stand on, ensuring it is safe for visitors to explore.
Preston: Our team of volunteers have worked tirelessly
Victoria Preston, Deputy Chair of the Classic Boat Museum, expressed her enthusiasm for the new artefact, saying,
“We’re really excited to invite visitors to see this amazing piece of Island heritage and learn about both the historic and scientific history of the lens.
“Our team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to get the lens ready for display, rebuilding the sections and making it safe and secure for display.
“It’s great to have a new piece of the Island’s Maritime history to join our collection of over 90 boats and thousands of maritime artefacts.”
Where and when
The Classic Boat Museum Gallery in East Cowes (Columbine Building, Columbine Road), is already open on Tuesdays and Fridays and will also be open on Saturdays from 1st April.
The Boat Shed (117a Medina Yard, Thetis Road) will be open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 31st March. Admission to both sites is £9, with children visiting for free.
A popular destination
The Classic Boat Museum is a popular destination for maritime enthusiasts, and the addition of the Fresnel Lens from St Catherine’s Lighthouse is sure to attract even more visitors to the museum.
Visitors can expect to learn about the scientific and historic significance of the lens, as well as explore the museum’s impressive collection of boats and maritime artefacts.
Find out more
For further information, visitors can visit the museum’s Website.
