Supporting British Industry & Craftsmanship
Traditional Shipbuilders and Riggers based in Gloucester Docks, specialists in restoring historic timber ships.
T Nielsen & Company are one of the world's leading specialists in repairing, restoring and building traditional ships and rigging. Based in Gloucester Docks since 1988 the team includes experienced shipwrights, riggers, marine engineers and blacksmiths. The company has a strong track record of recruiting and training apprentices and has a low turnover of staff. While its wet and dry dock facilities in Gloucester serve as the hub of operations, its craftsmen also work on specialist restoration projects around the world, combining modern processes and equipment with traditional techniques suited to each individual vessel, whether a small punt or a large tall ship. As well as working with historic timber ships, the team also provides marine structures, rigging, and boats for film and TV productions.
"I had seen the tall ships in Gloucester's dry docks - they are a feature of the area, but it wasn't until I visited behind the scenes of T Nielsen and Co that I appreciated quite how many skills are under one roof. They are able to work on all areas of the ship, including the restoration of the woodwork, the metalwork and the sails and rigging. Sarah White's daughter Isabel had been on site ever since she was a baby under the desk - she now heads up the rigging team, working on set for Hollywood films." Carmel King photographed T Nielsen and Co in November 2023 for Made in Gloucester.
