Finding Basuto

 

 

 

                                                                      
                                                                     'Basuto' a Clyde Puffer - National Waterways Museum

I was thrilled to come across this great, little boat called Basuto at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire which I visited a few weeks ago. 

A Clyde Puffer is a small steam ship and Basuto was built in 1902 at Port Dundas, Glasgow's canal port, by William Jacks and Co - Iron Merchants.  There was a fleet of 6 built all having African place names.. 

 In 1921 Basuto was sold to Wm Cooper and Sons Ltd in Widnes where she was used to carry equipment and raw materials around the Manchester area.  In 1976 Basuta was reported in the newspaper for going and assisting in stabilising a ship on fire. - " As Basuto appeared in the distance across the basin, puffing out smoke as she got up steam, thoughts of the African Queen were evoked".

I have been looking for a boat image to incorporate into my 'Scottish - Making Waves' Exhibition in September.  Basuto fits the bill perfectly.

I hope to make a simple image of her as part of an installation for this exhibition at
 www.artworkstudios.co.uk - Northwich, Cheshire.