John’s 24-year career as a maritime curator was combined with extensive practical seafaring experience, including 32 years service with the Royal Naval Reserve and many thousands of miles under sail (He holds the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification and an MCA Boatmaster’s Licence). Since retiring as Senior Curator of Water Transport at the Science Museum, he worked voluntarily for the European Maritime Heritage Organisation and serves as a Trustee of the Maritime Heritage Trust. His clients for consultancy studies have included the Heritage Lottery Fund, Trinity House Lighthouse Service and various maritime museums. A former member of the National Historic Ships Committee, he has a detailed knowledge of the UK’s heritage of historic ships and boats, and of ship preservation in European counties. John Robinson is an expert on all aspects of historic ship preservation and operation.
