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13th March 08
SALTED beef, ship’s biscuits, an actor and the ice room all feature in the ‘Sizzling Science Shows’ on board Brunel’s ss Great Britain for National Science and Engineering Week.
Actor Martin Williamson (pictured left) will step back in time inside the galley, to become the ss Great Britain’s purser, John Campbell, on March 8, 9, 15, and 16.
Mr Campbell was an historical figure from the ship's crew, who served as a Purser and Chief Steward in the 1870s, and kept a diary of his experiences – a copy is held in the Trust’s archives.
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The ‘Sizzling Science Shows’ last about 20 minutes, and will be held at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm. The ship’s Purser will be available between the interactive shows for questions.
They will explore the science behind conserving food on a two-month voyage to Australia in Victorian times – before the invention of electric refrigeration.
Whilst First Class passengers could expect the best in choice and fresh food, with live animals kept on Top Deck, those in the lower classes and steerage mostly had to make do with dried and salted food. Many in second class would pay extra to upgrade whilst at sea with one passenger complaining ‘I have eaten so much salt pork I am ashamed to look at a pig in the face’ (anonymous diarist travelling on board the ss Great Britain in 1853).
The ss Great Britain Trust’s Assistant Education Officer Claire Reed, who will be helping with the experiments, said: “The action-packed interactive show will be delivered by actor Martin Williamson as the Purser.
“My favourite bit is when we make 'film pot rockets' which are essentially film pots with water and a vitamin C tablet. These react releasing carbon dioxide which builds pressure inside the film pot and 'explode' with a bit of mess – hence using the galley and not the First Class Dining Saloon – and a wicked pop.
“I think it's the best experiment in the world! We will be letting visitors have a go and we have all the relevant safety equipment. The reaction happens more slowly when you use cold water... as do reactions on meat chilled in the ice room on board the ss Great Britain.”
The daytime family activities are included in admission, which allows for unlimited FREE return visits for a year. The family ticket also includes three children, and youngsters aged four and under are free. Future events include Mr Brunel visiting his ship and Easter animal trails on March 21, 22, 23, and 24.
Brunel’s ss Great Britain has won 14 national and international awards, including England’s
‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2007’ and Europe’s ‘Best Industrial Museum 2007’. In
2006 Brunel’s ss Great Britain won the highly coveted Gulbenkian Prize for ‘museum of the year 2006’ (now sponsored by The Art Fund).
National Science and Engineering Week is a national initiative for people to take part in science, engineering and technology activities.
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