03/09/2026
The Conservation of Priestman Ditcher Model No 1.
Back in 2018–19, I had the opportunity to work on one of Hull's most remarkable pieces of industrial heritage — the Priestman Ditcher Model No.1, now on display at the Street Life Museum.
The project began with a detailed conservation assessment, researching the machine's history and significance, examining its condition and developing a practical approach to its long-term preservation.
Built by Priestman Brothers of Hull in 1921, the Ditcher was an innovative response to the need for improved agricultural drainage and food production following the First World War. It was a prototype and is believed to be possibly the sole survivor of this early generation of Priestman excavators.
Priestman Brothers has a fascinating place in Hull's industrial history. The company had its roots in a Quaker family, and its ethos was reflected in its approach to manufacturing. The company resisted proposals to produce military equipment, while contributing to the war effort through agricultural machinery. More than 500 machines were supplied to the Ministry of Agriculture, helping improve Britain's agricultural land.
Their machines were also operated by members of the Women's Land Army. Women trained at Priestman's Driving School in Hull to operate excavators for land drainage — a remarkable example of engineering, agriculture and social change coming together.
The Ditcher itself had already enjoyed a remarkable second life. In 1961–62 it was discovered in poor condition in a field in Lincolnshire and rescued by Priestman Brothers. Thirty apprentices then spent 18 months restoring it, manufacturing missing components and bringing the machine back to working order.
Almost 60 years later, I found myself working on it again.
In 2019, the conservation involved carefully removing accumulated corrosion, dirt and biological growth, freeing seized wheels and mechanisms, stabilising exposed metalwork and applying a sympathetic new paint system. The objective was not to make the machine “as new”, but to stabilise it and preserve its character while allowing its history to be properly understood.
After several weeks of work, the Ditcher was restored to a condition in which it could once again be properly interpreted. The final details included restoring the Priestman lettering, repainting the distinctive components and completing the various mechanical and cosmetic treatments.
Since 2019, the Ditcher is on display at the main gallery of the Street Life Hull Museums.
Looking back, this project represents so much of what I enjoyed about a career in conservation — research, craftsmanship, problem solving, engineering, teamwork and finding ways to give historic objects a future.
A special thank you must also go to Bill Bromwich
former Publicity Manager of Priestman Brothers Ltd, whose knowledge and generous provision of archival material were invaluable to the research behind this project.
It was a privilege to play a small part in the continuing story of a remarkable piece of Hull engineering heritage.
