Model ship building is a craft as old as the construction of ships itself. From Ancient times ships have had very important roles, the most obvious being transportation and the collecting of provisions.The vessels of Ancient times provided technologically advanced means of extended travel which was economical, practical and vital to the development of societies.
Ships were also built for warfare purposes providing a method of protecting land from invaders. As ships held a great deal of significance to the people of the Ancient world they expressed this through the creation of models.
Ancient Egyptian cultures created model ships to place in the burial chambers of loved ones believing that the ornaments would assist in the afterlife. Model ships were also created as ornamental house displays, Art works and toys.
The construction of model ships has survived from Ancient traditions to the present day. Model ships are created for many of the same reasons and have become a worldwide past time.
One such shipwright to continue this tradition is Bede Masters. Bede began the model of the Port Jackson Schooner around 12 to 14 months ago and has recently completed the model.
Bede, proud of his finished product as any modeller would know, has the Port Jackson Schooner on display in his home just like Ancient traditions.
Bede a woodworking enthusiast was introduced to the world of model ship building by a book that his granddaughter gave him. From the book to the internet to Modeller’s Shipyard, Bede found a hobby in which he could use his wood working skills to good effect.
It was lucky that model ship building found Bede; he was trying to find a hobby that would occupy his mind without having to stand for long periods of time.
“I can’t stand for long which began to make woodworking difficult. With model ship building I can sit and work at my own pace.” Bede said.
Bede recalls his modelling experience with the Port Jackson Schooner and said that while it was enjoyable and interesting he felt that the learning involved was a large part of model creating. With model ship building putting the theory into practice is not always an easy task.
“I made mistakes on this model that I will remember not to make on the next one. I made mistakes that I didn’t change and they haven’t altered the appearance but I know where they are.” Bede said of his first model making experience.
Bede’s advice to anyone taking up the hobby or even still progressing would be to find out how to use the equipment and techniques before applying to the model as practicing will improve the quality of the finished product.
Bede admits that he is not a patient man by nature and had a tendency to rush the processes involved with his model ship. Bede said that model ship making has shown him the importance of patience.
“Model ship building has taught me patience and has kept my mind active. It’s great fun, enjoyable and quite pleasing when you finish a stage; this pushes you to finish the model.” Bede said.
Like with most modellers’ one model is not enough and Bede hopes to build the Cutty Sark which is a clipper ship built in 1869. The etymology of the name Cutty Sark is humorous in its origins as Cutty Sark meant undergarment and was made popular through the poem by author Robert Burns. Today the ship is maintained in the dry dock in Greenwich, London.
Model making is very popular and stems back throughout history, by creating model ships old traditions are being kept alive.
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