The restoration of the Cutty Sark

I was down in Greenwich last Thursday for an update on the campaign to save Yinka Shonibare's Victory in a Bottle (newsflash - its looking good!) but my attention was immediately grabbed by the sight of three masts breaking into the evening skyline.

Yes, the restoration of that wonderful old tea clipper the Cutty Sark is nearly complete after a terrible fire almost destroyed it. The ship is now masted and rigged just like it was before the accident - but now there's an additional feature of a lower viewing gallery to see the hull.

You can sort of see it in this picture that shows its illumination but when its ready you'll be able to walk truly all around this amazing ship.

It's due to open later this month and no doubt I'll be down there soon after.

In the mean time there are some really good photos on the Telegraph web site here.