Bluebird K7 makes her momentous return to Coniston
Late on a cold Saturday afternoon in March 2024 saw the historic moment Bluebird K7 finally make her long awaited return to Coniston.
Bluebird K7 was the first successful jet-powered hydroplane. It was considered revolutionary when it was first launched in 1955. In his Bluebirdk7, Donald Campbell was responsible for adding almost 100 miles per hour to the water speed record, setting a new record at just over 276 miles per hour.
On 4 January 1967, whilst making a bid for his eighth water speed record on Coniston Water Campbell attempted over 300 miles per hour. Tragedy struck when Bluebird flipped upwards before crashing back down on the lake, killing him instantly.
Bluebird lay at the bottom of Coniston Water for 34 years, its location known by a few people but never disclosed.
Fast forward more than three decades and a diving team led by Bill Smith relocated the wreckage and, finally, Campbell’s body. The wreckage was recovered between October 2000 and May 2001 then in 2006, Gina Campbell, Donald’s daughter, formally gifted the recovered wreckage of Bluebird K7 to The Ruskin Museum on behalf of the Campbell Family Heritage Trust. Gina declared “I’ve decided to secure the future of Bluebird for the people of Coniston, the Ruskin Museum and the people of the world”. The Bluebird Wing was constructed at the museum in anticipation of Bluebird K7’s arrival.
The wreckage was subsequently restored by Bill Smith, with the agreement she would return to the museum once the restoration was complete. However she remained in Smith’s possession.
Until one day in March 2024.
After being without its star attraction since 2010, 9th March 2024 brought Donald Campell’s iconic Jet Hydroplane to its forever home: the Bluebird Wing of The Ruskin Museum.
Crowds lined the route from the South Shields to south Cumbria. But the most rapturous reception was saved for Torver and Coniston villages. Accompanied by a shire horse and piper adorned in Campbell family tartan, Bluebird was given a hero’s welcome by hundreds of onlookers who had waited hours in the bitter cold to witness her home-coming.
Coppermines Founder and Managing Director, Phil Johnston declared it “an honour” to be asked to accompany Bluebird K7 back home to Coniston from South Shields. “It was a momentous day for everyone and great to be able to get her home safely”.
Gina Campbell, Donald’s daughter, was in Coniston to witness the wonderful conclusion of her decades long campaign to see her father’s legacy return to its rightful home. It was a day she thought she would never “live long enough” to see but thanked the museum’s “tenacity” and “doggedness” in working to bring Bluebird back to Coniston.
The Ruskin Museum have thanked all those who assisted in their tireless quest to bring Bluebird to her rightful home.
Bluebird K7 will be on public display at The Ruskin Museum from Tuesday 19th March.
Gift aid your entry fee, and receive free membership of The Ruskin Museum for 1 year – so you can visit Bluebird as many times as you like for 12 months!
Book your stay in Coniston village to see Bluebird
