S S Great Britain
'Being Brunel' is a fascinating exhibition, combining traditional museum displays, interactive exhibits and 'Brunel's Mind', an audio-visual experience, part of the S S Great Britain experience. The ship itself is still in pride of place in the dry dock it was built in. As well as going on board, you can go down into the dry dock and look at the massive, rusty hull which is now being carefully preserved. The mad can also try to 'Go Aloft'- climb the rigging to the yard arm and go out along it!
The exhibition is wonderful! Entering through the red door, there are huge chains like those Brunel is famously pictured standing in front of and a case of top hats so visitors can pose like the man himself. From there, you go through into Brunel's dining room, set up ready to entertain many guests.
Next, you enter a main hall where Brunel the Engineer is celebrated! Overlooked by a huge bust of Brunel, complete with cigar, the room is full of fascinating documents and his engineering ideas. You can sit in a railway carriage and try to draw a perfect circle whilst chugging along (this got a bit competitive!), explore the interactive map and admire examples of his work, ideas and sketches. A gallery above looks at Brunel the entrepreneur, the artist designer and the celebrity.
From here, you follow the gallery along a timeline of Brunel's life to the 'Brunel's Mind' exhibit where you see and follow Brunel's thoughts and share his experiences. The exhibition concludes by taking you into the Dock office where his assistant welcomes you into his office, answering any questions.
Nicola Skinner’s ‘Starboard’ is an excellent novel in which the S S Great Britain is a starring character! Perfect for reading before or after a visit, the book would also make an excellent read aloud or key text for a class!
Kirsten’s quest to find her father a girlfriend led to her becoming a reality TV star. However, after four years of living in the public eye, she is not happy with how her life is turning out. When on a school trip to the SS Great Britain, Kirsten suddenly finds herself captain of the ship and on an amazing journey of discovery.
There are some books which you just have to read- and this is one of them! It is without doubt one of the most original stories and absorbing stories I’ve read.
The book is full of amazing characters- not least of which is the SS Great Britain herself. The book cleverly pieces together the story of this amazing ship and the people who were involved with her. The book is rich with fabulous descriptions, making me want to explore her again! Perhaps soon…
In seeking to uncover the Great Britain’s secrets, Kirsten learns much about herself and is forced to reflect on her own life and what truly makes her happy. Her close relationship with her father (a square!) is wonderful to read about whilst the manipulations and machinations of the TV people form a stark contrast.
The book is a joy from start to finish with so much to love and enjoy along the way, including Flavia Sorrentino’s wonderful illustrations. It is impossible to do it justice- everyone needs to read it. It offers history, adventure, magic and a touch of mayhem with warmth and wisdom. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Starboard
Nicola Skinner, illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino
Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008422400
