Plimmer's Ark
conservation project (Queens Wharf)
40 tonnes of material extracted from the Old Bank Arcade is undergoing conservation treatment on Queens Wharf. This conservation project is the largest of its type in New Zealand. A maritime conservation advisor monitors the absorption of the Polyethylene glycol [PEG] into the wet wood where it replaces the water.
Museums Wellington has responsibility to manage the Plimmer’s Ark Project for the Wellington City Council. This is an important project partly because of its significance as objects that help to tell the story of Wellington’s early Pakeha settlement but also because the conservation process is somewhat unique internationally. In 1997 the Council asked for a review of the project and a way forward. The Wellington Museums Trust engaged an independent review of the process and then submitted to the Council three possible options. Furthermore the Council asked for public submissions on these options during its annual planning process. The option the Council has agreed to includes completing the conservation process on the stern timbers of Plimmer’s Ark and to enhance the Old Bank Arcade exhibition. Museums Wellington is presently working on how best to deliver this option in an environmentally sustainable and economically prudent way.
the archaeological site (Old Bank Arcade)
Nestled among the boutiques in the old Bank Arcade is the original site of Plimmer's Ark. The bow (front) section is on display under a glass floor in its original location. The Gallery on the lower level of the Old Bank Arcade has the stories of entrepreneur John Plimmer and the major Wellington earthquake of 1855. Through a 'pepper's ghost' presentation Plimmer appears to talk about his Ark. Crockery, bottles and other artifacts are on display in the walkway in between the Old Bank Arcade and BNZ building.
