In the latest episode of the SeaWatch Podcast, I had the incredible pleasure of sitting down with Simon Stephens, Curator of Ship Models and Boats at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London.
Simon has spent an astonishing 47 years at the museum, overseeing a collection of more than 4,500 ship models—a collection widely regarded as the most important in the world. From ancient Egyptian riverboats to modern container ships, the scale, history, and craftsmanship on display are simply breathtaking.
More Than a Curator
Simon and I talked about what it actually means to be a curator. Spoiler: it’s a lot more than sitting quietly in a gallery. Simon is part researcher, part detective, part educator, and part fundraiser. He handles everything from cataloging and exhibitions to VIP tours and loan agreements with museums around the world. What struck me most is how deeply personal his work is—he sees himself as a bridge between the collection and the people who want to understand it, whether they’re modelers, historians, authors, or curious kids.
Exploring Models with Medical Tools
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was about how Simon uses endoscopes and CT scanners—the same kinds used in hospitals—to look inside ship models. These tools have revealed everything from original builder’s notes hidden in hulls to tiny hand-painted murals no one had seen in centuries. At one point, Simon even discovered a cut-out figure of a shipwright lying on the deck of a model—possibly put there as a scale reference, or maybe just as a little Easter egg from the builder.
The Story of the James Caird
We also talked about the James Caird, the lifeboat used by Shackleton during his legendary Antarctic expedition. Simon has personally overseen its restoration and accompanied it on tours around the world. It's now back at Dulwich College in London (where Shackleton went to school), beautifully displayed in its own purpose-built hall.
Why This Matters
What I loved most about this episode is Simon’s clear passion for his work. Ship models aren’t just museum pieces to him—they’re living records of craftsmanship, exploration, and maritime innovation. Whether he’s guiding a model maker, a naval architect, or a researcher, Simon’s goal is always the same: to connect people with the incredible stories these models tell.
If you’ve ever admired a ship model and wondered what stories it might hold—this episode is for you. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it.