Robin 's working life began with a decade carrying grain, coal, iron ore, steel and china clay between Britain, Ireland and mainland Europe. Sold to Spanish owners in 1900 and renamed Maria , the vessel smuggled guns for Communists fighting Franco in the Spanish Civil War and worked under its own steam until 1974.

Rescued from the breakers by the Maritime Trust, the vessel steamed back to England in June 1974 to be hoisted out of the water at Doust's yard on the Medway. In 1980, Robin joined the Core Collection of the National Historic Ships Register and was moored for 10 years at St Katherine's Dock. In 1991, Robin was double plated at Doust and offered the current mooring at West India Quay by the London Docklands Development Corporation.

In 2002 the newly formed SSRobin Trust, a registered charity founded by photographers David and Nishani Kampfner, became guardians of the vessel with a mission to transform it into what it has indeed become, a national centre for documentary photography, an interactive learning space, a Docklands Arts Club, and a venue for private and corporate functions catering for up to 100 people.

Considerable hard work has brought about the transformation in a relatively short time. The SS Robin Trust relies entirely on the donation of funds, equipment and labour as it receives no lottery or government revenue.

Sponsors include neighbours such as Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse First Boston, and Ogilvy & Mather, who have contributed volunteer manpower as well as money. Maritime sector sponsors include consulting engineers Amec and Anglian Marine Services, whose divers contributed underwater hull inspection and thickness testing.

Restoration works are ongoing, with current projects including complete exterior hull repainting, complete lifeboat refurbishment, the continuing restoration of the original engine and boiler as well as the captain's cabin and forecastle. Support of all kinds is always welcome, with information available at www. ssrobin. com Meanwhile, Robin 's original hold has been transformed into the 2,000ft 2 Robin Gallery, with its first full year of exhibitions beginning on 1 March with 'Photo Sapiens', a collection of images of every day life around the world by Danish press photographers. The hold also becomes the Docklands Arts Club, a 'speakeasy' styled venue for live music, theatre, opera, cinema, spoken word and comedy events. Next on the bill is a 2 March 'Evening with Dirk', dedicated to enigmatic film star Dirk Bogarde, combining with Barcelona's experimental music project Mr Hubba. All proceeds from events go towards the Trust's work with local communities and schools.

For further information visit www. docklandsartsclub. com MJInformation No: 20317