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Project

John Constable, River Stour Lighter

As depicted in the masterpieces of the great artist John Constable, the Stour Lighter, or Barge, is a familiar scene in his paintings.

John Constable, River Stour Lighter

About the Project

In 2010 the River Stour Trust, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, commissioned the Pioneer Sailing Trust to salvage and restore such a lighter. Raised from a cut at Gt Cornard , where she lay quietly rotting , this was achieved. Every reference was made to archive photographs and the artist’s works to add to the level of authenticity, and it is appropriate that she bears the name John Constable.

Good English Oak has been used in her restoration and she lies alongside Granary Quay Sudbury, the turnaround port for the horse river drawn traffic from and to Mistley, Manningtree and Brantham. She is unique, and those wishing to voyage in her shallow draught hold to the delightful hamlet of Henny and visit the Henny Swan may do so.

The Stour Lighter Restoration Gallery

A selection of photographs, cataloguing the restoration of “John Constable” the Stour Lighter.

How You Can Help

Donations, however small are very much needed and will be greatly appreciated.

Your support could help cover the costs for our organisations who might like to bring groups of up to 12 sailing on Pioneer CK18.

Anyone who might like to help out in some way, or has a good idea as to how they might help an organisation such as ourselves will be welcome.
Please contact us on 01206 303373 or email us. Thank you!

Related Projects

Jinnie Project

Jinnie

Jinnie was an oyster skiff built in 1948 in West Mersea for local fisherman Edwin Richard Hayward.

The Pioneer Sailing Trust

The Pioneer Sailing Trust was set up in 1999 to restore back to sailing condition the last remaining first class Essex Skillinger smack Pioneer. She was another example of Britain's Maritime Heritage left to perish.

Pioneer Sailing Trust,
Harker's Yard,
Shipyard Estate,
Brightlingsea,
CO7 0AR

Tel: 01206 303373

admin@pioneersailingtrust.org.uk

© Pioneer Sailing Trust 2026. Registered charity with the Charity Commission for England & Wales. Charity No. 1077522.

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