The shortlist for the ICON conservation awards has been announced, with four projects being assessed by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Heritage Committee under the categories of ‘Conservation of an Industrial Artefact’ and ‘Volunteering in the Conservation of an Industrial Artefact’
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers writes:
A classic motor car, a restored Victorian fountain, a historic naval vessel and a project to reconstruct a 1940s computer have all reached the shortlist of the two Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ categories of the Icon Conservation Awards 2015.
Northern Ireland’s Crosslé Mark III Motor Racing Car and the Grand Fountain Restoration project in Paisley have been shortlisted for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Award for the Conservation of an Industrial Artefact worth £2,500. This award recognises excellence in conservation of operational or static examples of engineering. While Portsmouth’s Steam Pinnace 199 and EDSAC Replica computer, in Milton Keynes, have been shortlisted for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Award for Volunteering in the Conservation of an Industrial Artefact. This award, also worth £2,500, recognises excellence in engineering conservation of an artefact or collection for a project that has significant volunteer engagement.
Ian Clark, spokesman for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Heritage Committee, said: “These four artefacts uniquely demonstrate the variety and significance of engineering conservation in the UK and the fantastic work being done, often by volunteers, to conserve the country’s industrial heritage for future generations to enjoy. These artefacts provide a valuable resource for our understanding of human endeavour and the appreciation of the diverse role of engineering in society. I would like to congratulate all four shortlisted projects. The Committee was hugely encouraged and impressed by your hard work, ambition and dedication.”
Judging for these two awards is managed by the Institution’s Heritage Committee. The Icon Conservation Awards 2015 Programme consists of six major national awards and the final award winners will be announced at a special ceremony at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ headquarters in Westminster on 22 October 2015.
For a full list of shortlisted projects for the ICON Awards visit
