Bluebird to the Ruskin Museum

It will probably take another two years and a lot of fund-raising, but the future of the iconic craft of legendary speed hero Donald Campbell has finally been settled.

In an official ceremony yesterday Mr Campbell’s daughter Gina gave Bluebird to the Ruskin Museum, where campaigners plan to put her on display.

Campbell, 46, lost his life almost 40 years ago, after attempting to break his own world water speed record on Coniston Water.

Bluebird soared out of the water on its second run at a speed close to 300mph, somersaulted and sank. ‘I’ve gone’ said Campbell over his radio. His famous last words.

The wrecked craft lay at the bottom of the lake undiscovered until brought to the surface in 2001 by diver and underwater surveyor Bill Smith.

Full article here. Further links: a capsule biography of Donald Malcolm Campbell; a collection of Bluebird photos; the BBC report of the lifting of the Bluebird; and the recovery project website.

Posted by David on December 10, 2006 9:04 PM