Ships’ Figureheads,
Famous Carving Families
By Andrew Peters, £18.99
Powerful nations and empires have in the past expressed their might and control in part through the strength of their navies and their industrial and commercial prowess through fleets of vessels. The desire to add ornamentation to even the most utilitarian of objects is evident throughout history, and ships were no exception.
The task was the job of the ship’s carver; a profession that demanded artistic ability and a knowledge of the functional requirements of the vessel. Imagery taken from biblical texts or ancient myths and legends provided heroic figures that not only emphasised power but also established the political and theological ideology that each nation wished to uphold or impose.
This book reveals the skills and stories behind the profession and some of the primary families back in the 18th century, providing a socio-historic account of the times and in doing so an insight into the world they inhabited, with an in-depth practical knowledge of their work.
Terms and conditions – Closing date: 27/01/25. Postal entries to 13a Thornwood, Colchester, Essex CO4 5LR. Enter online at www.allatsea.co.uk or email editor@allatsea.co.uk with the subject header Ships’ Figureheads Book Competition. The winner will be notified by email. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry drawn at random after the competition closing date. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Open to residents of the UK aged over 18. No cash or alternatives will be offered. If any prize is lost or damaged during the course of delivery, All at Sea will provide reasonable assistance in seeking to resolve the problem, but it will not always be possible to obtain replacements for lost or damaged goods, and in that event no financial compensation would be payable by All at Sea or their affiliates. By entering you agree to be bound by all the rules and agree that your name and county could be published in the paper if you win. Please indicate on your entry if you do not wish to receive information about other products and services from All at Sea, by post or email.
