Shipwrights Models - Show models
Besides the large and very elaborate Navy Board Models, and the Block Half Models, there were also the Show Models. These elaborate full models were made by the shipwrights themselves and were used to advertise their work and skills at exhibitions and fairs.
Trade card: Allan Hunt, 7 King's Low, Horslydown, Southwark. Maker of Ship-models. Ships, Cutters & Boats built .. in the most accurate manner. (x)
In some cases, models were even made twice, one for the shipwright and the other for the shipowner.
'A New Whip for the Dutch' depicting a group of men in the early 1650s, including Samuel Pepys and the Earl of Sandwich, seated at a table surrounded by plans and books, around a large model of a warship ( navy board model) (x)
These models were mainly merchant, passenger and other private ships, as warships were the exclusive preserve of the Admiralty. However, if an existing warship was made by a Sailor or other artist to sell to the public, the Admiralty had no interest in it, as these ships were already there and no longer under construction or development.
Show Model of La Paix (1764); Merchant vessel; Passenger/cargo vessel (x)
Show models were made of high quality materials such as mahogany, gold foil and so on. Many sold their models even when interest became lively from the 19th century onwards. From the middle of the 19th century, however, these models were no longer made by the shipwrights but by special model workshops on the shipyards. These workshops also began to make models for children to swim in the ponds in the parks. From the 20th century onwards, this business was further expanded and the toys and collectible models became a separate business.
