A wonderful collection of more than 9,000 books and periodicals on ships and the sea has gone on display in a new library in Bristol.

SS Great Britain’s ‘significant’ new maritime library

The David MacGregor Library, named after a life-long supporter of the ss Great Britain, is free to the public and also includes an historic archive.

Mr Macgregor was a prolific writer and ship architect, who donated his collection to The Brunel Institute.

“I like to think that he’d be really proud and pleased to see all of his books,” said Rhiann Tritton, director of museum and educational services.

“[They are] not just only on the shelves but cleaned, security-tagged and in beautiful apple-pie order and ready for people to look at.

“So, I like to think that he’s here with us and he’s happy.”

David MacGregor, who was born in 1925 and died in 2005, was the son of an officer in a Scottish Regiment. Although there was no nautical or boating interest in the family, he was keen on sailing ships and devoted most of his spare time to maritime research.

It is these notes that form part of the Brunel Institute‘s new collection.

The Brunel Institute is in partnership with the University of Bristol and the education centre’s Brunel papers will also be added to the collection for public use.

Thanks to Irwin Bryan fro passing the article along.