A historic working narrowboat that played a vital role in fighting fires in London during the Second World War has marked a remarkable milestone — its 90th birthday.
Sculptor, owned by the Canal & River Trust and normally moored outside the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, began its working life in November 1935 as part of the fleet operated by the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company.
To celebrate the anniversary, the Canal & River Trust organised a special museum display, featuring photographs and artefacts that tell the story of Sculptor — one of only a small number of historic working boats still navigating Britain’s canals today.
Originally paired with a second narrowboat, Toucan, Sculptor was used to transport cargo including cotton and coal between London and the Midlands, reflecting the vital role canals played in Britain’s industrial economy.
During the Second World War, Sculptor took on a very different role. As bombing raids caused widespread fires across the capital, the boat was used to pump water from London’s canals to help extinguish fires, contributing directly to civil defence efforts during the Blitz.
After the war, Sculptor continued in service as a canal maintenance boat on the Shropshire Union Canal, before being withdrawn from active use in 1985.
Today, the boat is cared for by a dedicated team of volunteers, with ongoing support from local funders, including the Friends of the Canal Museum.
Lynda Payton, chair of the Friends of the Canal Museum, said:
“Sculptor is looking remarkably good for her 90 years, undoubtedly due to the hard-working team of volunteers at Stoke Bruerne who devote a great deal of time and care to her maintenance and conservation.”
