Now the last remaining light-cruiser to have been involved in the First World War, HMS Caroline is berthed within the Titanic Quarter of Belfast. Working on projects for both national and independent museums, The Hub have a portfolio of military and maritime projects including, Nelson Navy and Nation at the National Maritime Museum, First World War in the Air at RAF Museum Hendon and The Household Cavalry Museum.
The Hub’s experience of delivering projects through management, coordination, manufacture and installation was critical to a project that required collaboration with a number of parties to meet a challenging programme with a fixed end date of the May 31 2016.
Responsibility for driving the project to a conclusion was Artelia, who The Hub had previously worked with at Bletchley Park and whose portfolio of projects complimented the manner in which the project had to delivered, one of mutual understanding, collaboration and trust as the restoration of HMS Caroline would be ongoing as the interpretation fit-out commenced.
The scope of works included the research, procurement and installation of a range of historic props and replicas ranging from silver tea spoons to replica deck mounted guns, coupled with delivering high quality contemporary exhibition structures, incorporating graphics, interactives and audio visual installations.
In line with The Hub’s approach to social and economic sustainability Acapple Construction were sub-contracted to manufacture and install a number of components including five 4″ and two 6″ replica guns. Located at Titanic Studios, adjacent to HMS Caroline, Acapple brought an attention to detail and realism to elements that would be closely scrutinised by the visitor.
The experience of working on HMS Caroline was unique and The Hub team are appreciative to have played their part in bringing to life the story of HMS Caroline and the important role she played at the Battle of Jutland.
“The Hub were appointed at the end of November 2015 so with only six months to deliver the scheme the Hub were fantastic on sourcing, manufacturing and delivering this absolutely unique exhibition scheme,” said Stephen Prowse, Head of Project Delivery, Artelia. “The Hub fitted in extremely well to a delivery team that had a strong sense of team spirit to make it happen.”
The Hub, in parallel with the HMS Caroline project, were appointed to the Jutland 1916: WWI’s Greatest Sea Battle exhibition. This exhibition designed by the National Maritime Museum presents the story of the ships, technology, strategy and impact of the battle on the men who fought it and the families left at home.
