Search results
A figurehead is a carved wooden decoration found at the bow of ships, generally of a design related to the name or role of a ship. They were predominant between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries, and modern ships' badges fulfil a similar role.
28 sty 2024 · The famous Bayeux Tapestry created in the 11 th century shows carved dragon figureheads (Fig. 1) on the stern and bow of the ships of William the Conqueror, fairly typical for Viking longships. In the 13 th century there was the introduction gentler creatures such as swans that represented graceful mobility in the water.
Our collection of ship figureheads and carving traces the history of ship ornamentation from the 17th to the 20th centuries. What is a figurehead? Figureheads are the carved wooden sculptures that decorate the prows of sailing ships.
31 sty 2019 · Warships with over 100 guns (‘first rate ships’) were often highly decorated at bow (front) and stern (back) with a baroque riot of gilded carvings, including wreaths and the royal coat of arms. They were not just fighting ships, but symbols of power.
24 lip 2018 · On a ship, its bow should be tall enough to prevent water from easily washing over its top. On wooden ships, you might find a long spar on it called a bowsprit that’s designed for holding the front sails as well as a wooden figure head and surrounding decoration.
10 lut 2024 · One of the most striking and prominent features on any old ship is the ship figurehead. A carved figure displayed prominently on the bow, these ornamental displays are iconic. Their origins stretch back further than some might think.
Built up during a period of over 40 years the full Figurehead Archive can be divided into two quite distinctive areas of research, the first and perhaps most important are the photographic representations of Ships Figureheads, both on and off the vessels, plus a number of other Maritime Woodcarvings, such as Stern Board Carvings, and Cats Heads ...
