Collections
Liverpool pilot cutter number 2, 1953
The largest object in National Museums Liverpool's collections is the Edmund Gardner, a former pilot cutter that can now be found in dry dock outside the Great Western Railway building, opposite the Maritime Museum.
During her working life of almost 30 years the Edmund Gardner was essentially a base out in the Irish Sea for the Pilotage Service, providing accommodation for up to 32 pilots at a time. The pilots met all shipping approaching the Mersey and guided them into and out of the docks, to ensure their safety.
The Edmund Gardner's historic importance has been recognized by the National Historic Ships Committee, which has included the vessel in its National Core Collection of Historic Ships. She has also received the World Ship Trust's award as an outstanding example of ship preservation.
View of port side from forward
The Edmund Gardner and the dockside area around it is currently closed to the public while major construction work is carried out nearby for the Liverpool canal and Museum of Liverpool projects. During the closure you can still see inside the ship in our online tour.
You can take an online tour or find out more about the history of the ship by following the links below.