29th Apr, 2009 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Popham)
159
[M] A VICTORIAN YACHT'S FIGUREHEAD, CIRCA...
A VICTORIAN YACHT'S FIGUREHEAD, CIRCA 1870's
finely carved by Shon Edwards in the form of a half-length Classical, or possibly Oriental maiden in flowing robes with fern leaves to front, removable outstretched arm, flowing hair with crown, terminating in a scrollwork flourish, sympathetically returned to original colour scheme -- 39in. (99cm.) high
Whilst it has been possible to identify the carver of this figurehead with some degree of certainty, the vessel's name has thus far remained obscure. Edwards worked between 1860 and 1880 from Portmadoc, Wales and was celebrated enough in his time to undertake commissions which were dispatched to the yards from there. This example holds a close resemblance in style and quality to another in the collection of the Royal Yacht Squadron from the yacht Mirage, a 196 ton schooner by Berthon Yacht Builders of Lymington. This company built some of the finest yachts of the day from about 1840 and enjoyed an elite client list with many aristocrats and royal families. It is very rare to find examples of this type retaining their original arm. These were designed to be removed when the yacht was in use, and returned when back at anchor, thus saving endless and expensive repair work.
finely carved by Shon Edwards in the form of a half-length Classical, or possibly Oriental maiden in flowing robes with fern leaves to front, removable outstretched arm, flowing hair with crown, terminating in a scrollwork flourish, sympathetically returned to original colour scheme -- 39in. (99cm.) high
Whilst it has been possible to identify the carver of this figurehead with some degree of certainty, the vessel's name has thus far remained obscure. Edwards worked between 1860 and 1880 from Portmadoc, Wales and was celebrated enough in his time to undertake commissions which were dispatched to the yards from there. This example holds a close resemblance in style and quality to another in the collection of the Royal Yacht Squadron from the yacht Mirage, a 196 ton schooner by Berthon Yacht Builders of Lymington. This company built some of the finest yachts of the day from about 1840 and enjoyed an elite client list with many aristocrats and royal families. It is very rare to find examples of this type retaining their original arm. These were designed to be removed when the yacht was in use, and returned when back at anchor, thus saving endless and expensive repair work.
Sold for £14,880
Estimated at £12,000 - £15,000
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
A VICTORIAN YACHT'S FIGUREHEAD, CIRCA 1870's
finely carved by Shon Edwards in the form of a half-length Classical, or possibly Oriental maiden in flowing robes with fern leaves to front, removable outstretched arm, flowing hair with crown, terminating in a scrollwork flourish, sympathetically returned to original colour scheme -- 39in. (99cm.) high
Whilst it has been possible to identify the carver of this figurehead with some degree of certainty, the vessel's name has thus far remained obscure. Edwards worked between 1860 and 1880 from Portmadoc, Wales and was celebrated enough in his time to undertake commissions which were dispatched to the yards from there. This example holds a close resemblance in style and quality to another in the collection of the Royal Yacht Squadron from the yacht Mirage, a 196 ton schooner by Berthon Yacht Builders of Lymington. This company built some of the finest yachts of the day from about 1840 and enjoyed an elite client list with many aristocrats and royal families. It is very rare to find examples of this type retaining their original arm. These were designed to be removed when the yacht was in use, and returned when back at anchor, thus saving endless and expensive repair work.
finely carved by Shon Edwards in the form of a half-length Classical, or possibly Oriental maiden in flowing robes with fern leaves to front, removable outstretched arm, flowing hair with crown, terminating in a scrollwork flourish, sympathetically returned to original colour scheme -- 39in. (99cm.) high
Whilst it has been possible to identify the carver of this figurehead with some degree of certainty, the vessel's name has thus far remained obscure. Edwards worked between 1860 and 1880 from Portmadoc, Wales and was celebrated enough in his time to undertake commissions which were dispatched to the yards from there. This example holds a close resemblance in style and quality to another in the collection of the Royal Yacht Squadron from the yacht Mirage, a 196 ton schooner by Berthon Yacht Builders of Lymington. This company built some of the finest yachts of the day from about 1840 and enjoyed an elite client list with many aristocrats and royal families. It is very rare to find examples of this type retaining their original arm. These were designed to be removed when the yacht was in use, and returned when back at anchor, thus saving endless and expensive repair work.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Popham), 29th Apr, 2009
