The Ruskin Museum in Coniston is fighting a claim for £147,162 centred on the world-famous jet-powered Bluebird hydroplane, once owned by British speed record breaker Donald Campbell. The claim has been lodged by Londoner Paul Kinghan, 62, an accountant and Bluebird fan, who says he provided vital funds and expertise to get the hydroplane back on the water.
Kinghan, who is based in France, wants his money back and the return of an engine currently on display in the museum. He is aware that the legal case and costs could bankrupt the Ruskin, threatening Bluebird's future in the Lake District.
Claimant's allegations
Paul Kinghan told the Mirror: "All the promises based on my assistance have failed, and they have shown obnoxious behaviour towards me. They have also accused me of damaging the engines, which is just pathetic. I think they need a change of management there."
He said that Gina Campbell, Donald Campbell's daughter, had been 'very supportive' when he spoke to her. Bill Smith, the engineer who rebuilt Bluebird before a legal battle over its ownership, said: "Here is another well-intentioned person who has given so much. He suffered and I suffered but the public really suffers. I believe the future of the Bluebird itself is under threat, it is about the next generation enjoying it."
Museum's response
The museum claimed that all three engines, along with the associated ancillary equipment, was donated to it. It said the claimant "facilitated the sale of the two Orpheus 803 engines and received a brokerage payment of £8,000 in connection with that transaction".
Tracy Hodgson, museum director, said: "As you will be aware, a donation is, by its nature, a gift made freely and without an obligation for it, or its value, to be repaid or returned. The Museum therefore rightly considers that the donated engines and associated equipment became its property upon donation, subject to the terms recorded in the relevant documentation."
She added: "The undisputed position is that these funds were given voluntarily and were not provided on the basis that they would subsequently be repaid. The Museum disputes Mr Kinghan's claim, and the matter is being handled by our legal advisers."
The museum said it was hoping for a resolution. Tracy added: "Just because a demand is made and then placed in the public domain does not make this a valid demand, and certainly does not mean any wrongdoing on a party's behalf. We trust our sensible and logical explanation addresses matters."
Background of the dispute
The Ruskin Museum issued legal proceedings in 2023 following, what it said had been, "several years of trying to persuade Mr Smith and his organisation to honour the original agreement and allow K7 to be brought back to Coniston". Mr Smith eventually relinquished his part-ownership claim. He believes Bluebird was damaged by its new engineers. The museum disputed those claims, saying work to ready the craft had been conducted as sympathetically as possible and had not caused harm, with safety put above historical perfection.
The original Bluebird clocked 202.32mph (325.6 km/h) at Ullswater in the Lake District, in 1955. The revamped craft was on display for crowds of fans near Glenridding Pier to mark the anniversary of the milestone on July 23, 2025. Donald's daughter, Gina Campbell, paid tribute to her dad's 'absolute steel' in breaking a record when many experts said it was impossible. Tragically, he died in 1967 when Bluebird somersaulted as he tried to break 300mph (480km/h).
