Explore the history of two of Brisbane Water's most prolific shipyards through rarely seen photographs on show at the Built at Brisbane Water display at Umina Branch Library from May 1 until May 30.

The ships built at Rock Davis' yard and the Beattie's slipway were much larger than many people realise, according to Gosford City Council's Library Manager, Alan Flores.

"Schooners, cutters, ketches, steamships and even Sydney ferries were among the more than 160 vessels that were built in the Rock Davis' Blackwall shipyard from 1864 to 1913," said Mr. Flores.

"Rock Davis' yard was a major employer in the Woy Woy District, especially at 'The Big Shed' where massive ships could be built from start to finish under cover," he said.

Also on display at the exhibition is photographs from the old Beattie's slipway that operated from the 1870s to 1940s at Palermo, Cockle Creek, which is now today's Daley's Point.

"The Beattie's took great pains to create truly beautiful and functional ships. Some of the designs, such as the Sapphire which was launched in 1924, were simply breathtaking!" said Mr Flores.

For further information, please contact Council's Local Studies Librarian, Geoff Potter, on 4325 8118.

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