Bristol Dockyards has reopened with a radical reimagining of the SS Great Britain exhibition, offering a more 'warts and all' narrative that acknowledges both the pioneering vessel's revolutionary achievements and its often complex, even problematic, role in history. The revamped attraction delves into the ship's multifaceted story, from its celebrated engineering marvels to its involvement in British imperialism and the displacement of Indigenous populations.
At the heart of the new exhibition is a commitment to telling the human stories intertwined with the ship. Visitors will be able to experience the cramped conditions of steerage cabins through Allan Gilmour's vivid diary account of his 1852 journey to Australia, as well as learn about the lives of those who built and operated the vessel, including 13-year-old apprentice shipwright James Johnson and Irish fireman John Lee.
The museum has prioritised a critical examination of challenging historical subjects, such as migration and the British Empire. This approach is reflected in its collaborative development process, which involved local communities in delving into archives and shaping the stories presented. The exhibition features diverse perspectives, including James W Jones' account of being transported from Barbados to Australia and later returning to England on the SS Great Britain as a barber.
The new exhibition also confronts the ship's initial struggles, including its failed attempts to secure backing from south-west authorities, which ultimately led it to become based in Liverpool. Early passengers were deterred by the engines' performance in rough seas, and these challenges are candidly addressed within the revamped attraction. The result is a nuanced understanding of this iconic vessel, one that celebrates its innovations while acknowledging its uncomfortable historical truths.