MPE and Cammell Laird combine to create time capsule for Wirral youth facility
Made from Iroko wood and glass, the capsule is the result of more than 40 hours of highly-skilled labour from MPE’s Alan Davidson and will mark The Hive’s first anniversary. Tony McDonough reports
Maritime fit-out specialist MPE Interiors has designed and handcrafted a time capsule for Birkenhead youth facility, The Hive.
Made from Iroko wood and glass, the capsule is the result of more than 40 hours of highly-skilled labour from MPE Interiors’ Alan Davidson and was designed by expert draftsman, Tom Whetnall.
The one-off project was commissioned by Cammell Laird, a Founder Patron of The Hive, to provide the youth facility with a focal point for its one-year anniversary, which will be celebrated this April.
MPE has worked extensively for Cammell Laird on numerous vessel fit out projects.
The 130kg capsule will be laid into the floor of The Hive’s building in Bright Street, Birkenhead as part of the Youth Zone’s anniversary event. In a nod to Birkenhead’s maritime heritage, the top of the capsule features a port-hole that will be visible to everyone visiting The Hive.
As one of the leading maritime sector outfitters in the United Kingdom, MPE interiors has applied the same level of skill to the capsule creation as they do to interior fit-out projects for vessels including superyachts, cruise ships and ferries.
Items to be placed into the time capsule will be selected through consultation with young members at The Hive, across the Junior, Senior and Hiveability (Inclusion) sessions.
Young people are being asked to submit ideas for items that would reflect what life was like for those growing up in the borough during the 21st century, for example, popular music, photos capturing school and family life, fashion items, artwork and films.
Stuart Barnes, chief executive of The Hive, said: “We feel privileged to be in receipt of this wonderful piece of craftsmanship from the MPE Interiors team.
“Not only will it serve to ensure The Hive and its young members make their mark on history, but it will also highlight the strong maritime links of the Wirral and Birkenhead, for future generations.