Davenham

Originally built in 1944 as a dry cargo barge in the classic Weaver Packet design, Davenham had been adapted as a houseboat but had fallen into severe structural decline. Calshot was commissioned to carry out a complete rebuild and reimagine her as something entirely new. The result was a project that pushed the boundaries of restoration and creativity.

The Brief

The goal was to save the vessel while staying true to her heritage. Davenham’s hull was stabilised and her superstructure was stretched and repaired. The chain-driven steering gear was restored and a new wheelhouse was built to match the original design. The focus was to retain the integrity of the vessel while finding a new use for her structure.

The Rebuild

Calshot’s team carried out extensive work to research, source and recreate lost details. A new rolled steel funnel was fabricated and finished with hand-applied rivets. The original derrick was reinstated. As the work progressed, the project evolved. The team adapted and designed as they built, instinctively shaping what the vessel could become. The concept of transforming her into a floating cinema and performance space began to take hold.

The Interior

The cavernous cargo hold was opened up and reimagined as a unique cinema. A stage was designed to follow the sheer and curves of the ship. Handcrafted seating was built to match the lines of the hull and finished with base cushions made from reclaimed army tent canvas and sheepskin rugs. The engine was fully restored and set beneath a central staircase built by Calshot’s fabrication team. The entire space was decked in reclaimed timber.

The Result

The finished project defies easy description. Davenham now exists as one of the most unusual and visually striking cinemas and performance spaces ever created. She elicits strong reactions from those who step aboard. The project stands as a clear example of what Calshot is capable of. In March 2019, she was added to the National Register of Historic Vessels, a recognition of the skill, imagination and craftsmanship that brought her back to life.