Absolutely unique, rare archive film.  "The Birth of a Ship 1908" William Denny and Brothers, Dumbarton

Henry Bell and his famous ship The Comet the first ship to commercially harness steam power for navigation ushered in the age of steamships not only to the River Clyde but across the world. However nowhere was the pace of change so fast as along the banks of the River Clyde which was building ships at the rate of three hundred per year in its peak. William Denny and Brothers were one of the great Clyde ship designers and shipbuilders for almost one hundred years and were famous for designing and producing many of the greatest ships in the world including the famous Cutty Sark which it completed in 1869. Recognised worldwide for their technical and innovative designs Denny Brothers were pioneers in leading this maritime revolution.  

In this absolutely unique and fascinating archive history DVD the “Birth of a Ship” the design, modelling, tank testing and fabrication processes in 1908 are clearly explained from the ship's concept design to its launch in 1908 with rare detail from archive film. We follow the design on the order book of 1908 starting in the drawing office in William Denny and Brothers. We are given a detailed account of the production and experimental testing of the wax prototype hull model and propeller design. Denny Brothers were the first shipbuilder in the UK to have their own dedicated experimental water tank which is now part of the Scottish Maritime Museum. Continuing on the lifecycle of the ship’s development we are given a first-hand demonstration of the many crafts and trades required in 1908 in order to translate the design templates into components including the “mould loftsmen”  responsible for producing the wooden templates required for fabrication. We are given first-hand examples of how these templates are then transformed by skilled press, foundry and machine shop operators, joiners and carpenters into the required frames, plates and other numerous components that will form the new ship. All done with the highest degree of manual craft experience, skills and effort by these dedicated shipbuilders. The construction of the ship begins with the laying of the keel, then the “double bottom” followed by the “tank top” and finally the engine mounting.  Finally the big day of the launch of the ship (Tofua built 1908 for the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand) arrives where with great celebration as another great ship slips gently into the waters of the Clyde to begin her journeys around the world. 
A truly rare fascinating detailed account of the effort, craftsmanship, skills and success of this world famous ship designer and shipbuilder William Denny and Brothers who designed and produced some of the finest and highest quality vessels in the world.   
Narrated by Ron Black
Running Time 34mins