Bill and Penny Rose - Lifetime Achievement Award, 2007

Bill and Penny Rose form a perfect partnership in their love of the subject of Thames leisure craft. Bill began as a young man a passion for the Thames and its leisure craft – boats that had given pleasure to generations of boaters. He realised that very little had been written about those vessels and with increasing speed they were vanishing from the water.

The collection that they have formed has been founded upon an unique understanding of how to assess each boat and its importance within the context of Thames history. Penny and Bill do not just set out to collect a type and then buy. They rather seek out the very best of that type still extant and, having secured it they then work on it with chosen craftsmen until what emerges is the finest craftsmanship and engineering in the world.

Penny is a member of one of the greatest families of boatbuilders on the Thames – Messums - from whose yard came the very best of skiffs. She provides the management criticism and knowledge that supports Bill’s huge enthusiasm and abilities. They operate exactly as one.

They have worked tirelessly but quietly to ensure that every one of the boats in the collection is without compare. Skiffs, punts, gigs, canoes and steam launches are all finished to the highest quality. Then each is fitted out with the precise ephemera and fittings of the exact age of the boat in question - all of the best available.

The result is a happy synthesis of boat in its time so that one feels the crew have just stepped ashore on some idyllic walk and we look into the world and time they inhabit exactly as they left it. What is more every boat can be and is used as intended upon the water.

Added to the boat and contents collection is a fine and extensive memorabilia, arts and model collection that together make a whole. What has been accomplished and continues to grow is a collection of superlative quality and world-class historical importance. The collection is today shared with interested parties and groups completely freely.