News / ss Great Britain
Brunel’s last cigar up for virtual adoption
The SS Great Britain Trust have announced an array of artefacts are up for grabs as part of their ‘Adopt an Artefact’ campaign.
The education charity say the virtual adoption campaign will allow supporters to “own a piece of history” because, while the artefacts will remain at the museum, people who take part in the campaign will get a certificate of adoption as well as their name on the SS Great Britain website.
Supporters will be able to adopt an artefact for 12 months after paying anything from £25 to £300.
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Those who pay £300 will also get two annual tickets to the Brunel’s SS Great Britain steamship and a private guided tour for two of the ship and its associated Dockyard and Being Brunel Museums.
A commemorative cricket ball awarded to Gloucestershire County Cricket star Edward Mills Grace is among the items up for grabs
Items that supporters can adopt include a commemorative cricket ball awarded to Gloucestershire County Cricket star Edward Mills Grace in 1864, a drawing of a horse Isambard Kingdom Brunel drew in 1812 and a portable cigar case that once belonged to Brunel which contains a cigar believed to have belonged to him.
The campaign will help the Trust raise funds to conserve the ship and museums and support their community outreach work.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s cigar case is made out of black leather
Louisa Pharoah, director of development at the SS Great Britain, said: “We’re so excited to launch ‘Adopt an Artefact’ and to give people the chance to become part of the SS Great Britain’s story.
“There are a whole host of fascinating objects up for adoption, including Brunel’s personal diary and a picture of a horse that he drew when he was just six years old.
“We’re proud to be a heritage and education charity that’s making a difference in the Bristol community.
“By adopting an artefact, locals and visitors alike can help to preserve items of historical significance and protect the legacy of the SS Great Britain itself.”
All photos: SS Great Britain Trust
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