Ruskin Museum issue legal proceedings to get Bluebird Home
Campbell family endorse the Civil Proceedings
The Ruskin Museum has issued legal proceedings this week against Mr William Hammerton (Bill) Smith
and The Bluebird Project to gain possession of their property – Donald Campbell’s Bluebird K7.
The sealed legal papers have been served on both parties on Thursday 23 February 2023 in what is
described as a sealed form and by formal method of service.
Deputy Chairman of the Museum Jeff Carroll said: “It is with regret that we have had to take this action to gain physical possession of Donald Campbell’s record-breaking boat which was gifted to the museum by the Campbell family in 2006.
“We have taken this action with the blessing and full support of the Campbell Family Heritage Trust. This action comes only after several years of trying to persuade Mr Smith and his organisation to honour the original agreement and allow K7 to be brought back to Coniston so that she can be displayed in the bespoke Bluebird Wing of the museum which cost in excess of £750,000 to build and equip. The Ruskin Museum would have preferred that this matter be resolved without the need to resort to Litigation however we have been left with no choice but to issue in order to find a resolution for all.
He added: “We have not taken this decision lightly and it is very much a last resort to assert our legal rights. We have an obligation to the many people and organisations who contributed to the Bluebird Wing; to those who wish see Bluebird K7 in Coniston; to those who donated in good faith to the restoration project; to those who granted planning permission for the Bluebird Wing, and to the Campbell family who gifted the boat to us and wish to see her reside in her spiritual home, as close as possible to her brave pilot.”
The Museum does not intend to make further comment hereafter except in the event of significant progress or when deemed necessary.
