Artistic Programme

Our Artistic Programme

Cultural, active and community events in healthy river environments. Accessible by all, enjoyed by all.

Explore our Programme

Reflections Sing for Water Thames Lens Tide Changers Totally Thames Other artistic projects...

Education Programme

Our Education Programme

Inspiring the next generation of river ambassadors. Our creative education programme helps children and young people to connect and learn about rivers, creating work inspired by its culture, community and ecology.

Explore our Programme

Kids' Choir River of Hope Rivers of the World The Story of Water Other education projects...

Heritage Programme

Our Heritage Programme

Unearthing and reconnecting local communities to the river's rich history and cultural importance.

Explore our Programme

A Voyage Through Time Foragers of the Foreshore London's Lost Village Places of Change The Islanders Other heritage projects...

About Our Charity

What makes us tick and the people who make it happen.

Find out more

Our History Our Team Our Vision Join our Team

Read, Watch & Listen

Swan Island

Newman’s Shipyard

Newman’s is situated on the privately-owned Swan Island, at the point where the Thames transitions from tidal estuary to freshwater channel. The shipyard is run by Fiona Gunnion, the daughter of Francis ‘Frank’ Newman, who established the business in mid-1950s.

Swan Island was originally a small mudflat known as Milham’s Ait after its owner Harry Milham, a local builder. Harry built the island entirely out of clay excavated during construction of London Underground in the 1890s.

Frank Newman purchased Swan Island in 1962. Originally a cooper, a builder of wooden casks, Frank used those skills to transfer to boatbuilding. He had a great love of boats, but was also a businessman, owning not only Swan Island but also a number of other boatyards and businesses in England and Scotland. From 1969, Frank became a joint owner of Tough’s boatyard alongside Bob Tough. Tough’s and Newman’s yards had a strong connection over many years.

Newman’s Shipyard was originally located on the mainland across from Swan Island. In the 1990s, Frank and Fiona re-developed the island, increasing its height to protect it from flooding at high tides, and renting out the workshops on the mainland to other local businesses. Today the shipyard gets business from a community of forty houseboats moored at the island, some of whom repair their boats at the yard and slipways, as well as maintenance of pleasure boats, and privately owned vessels. Fire Patrol boats also continue to be repaired and maintained there by Babcocks Marine Services.

Low tide | Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Frank Newman | Photo: Newman's Shipyard

1960s | Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Frank Newman | Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Low tide | Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Frank Newman | Photo: Newman's Shipyard

1960s | Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Frank Newman | Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Photo: Newman's Shipyard

Read, Watch & Listen

Check out all our videos, images, podcasts, interviews, workshops and much more.

Check out more

Supported by:

Blackwall

London Graving Dock Company

Brentford

E.C. Jones & MSO Marine

Eel Pie Island

Eel Pie Island Slipways & Eel Pie Boatyard

Greenwich

Thamescraft Dry Docking Services, Greenwich Yacht Club & Cory Riverside Energy

Isleworth

B.J. Wood & Son Boatyard

Lots Ait

Thames & General Lighterage and John’s Boat Works

Richmond

Richmond Bridge Boathouses & William Colley Racing Boats

Rotherhithe

South Dock Marina

Teddington

Tough's Boatyard

Wapping

Metropolitan Police Marine Workshop