Repairs and maintenance needed on Great Union Camera Obscura

Removal and replacement of several elements to be dealt with by contractor

Several issues have been identified on the Great Union Camera Obscura following its last condition survey, a Tynwald written answer has revealed.

Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson asked for an update on the Victorian structure from Education, Sport and Culture Minister Daphne Caine.

She confirmed the last survey was carried out in March 2025.

It discovered that sailcloth used as a roof covering - as it was said to be considered sympathetic to that used in its original construction in the 1890s - had begun to fail at the edges.

This was despite extensive repairs to address these issues taking place in 2017/18 after an earlier survey was conducted.

The failure of the roof has led to 'a deterioration of the sub-structure areas'.

It was also observed that the nails used for fixing the decorative timber cladding panels, which were applied to the lower section of the Obscura building as part of the 2005 restoration, had started to show signs of decay after exposure to the salt air.

Subsequently, remedial repairs to the roof were made in March 2025.

However the minister has confirmed that since the last condition survey, further issues have been found that require repairs and maintenance, and the Department of Infrastructure is currently engaging with a contractor to address these issues.  

These include the removal and replacement of wooden joists and decking, corroded steelwork, fastenings and bolts located underneath the decking.

The written answer states that officers from the Department of Education, Sport and Culture and Department of Infrastructure visit the Obscura regularly to test the site’s security system, check the progress of works and communicate updates to the Camera Obscura volunteers.

You can find the answer in full HERE.