(Copyright National Maritime Museum)
This topographic scenic model was built at a scale of 1:576 and is one of a set six commissioned by Lord Sandwich for George III in 1773-74, showing the Royal Dockyards as they were at the time.
As with all six of these models - Chatham, Deptford, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Sheerness and Woolwich - ships of various sizes are shown at the different stages of construction ranging from just a keel through to a ship on the slipway ready for launching.
(Copyright National Maritime Museum)
These models are also extremely accurate and detailed and illustrate all the different processes, materials and buildings within the dockyards that are required to build and maintain the fighting warship. Probably the most noticeable feature on this model is the great storehouse - the large square building on the left hand side which has the double dry dock to its left - and the great basin right in the centre of the model. Apart from building and maintaining the fleet, Deptford was also used as a victualling yard for providing supplies to the warships.
In its case, the model measures 1.6m long and almost 1m wide; sadly it is not on display but is in storage*. However, detailed photographs of the model are online at the NMM's website here, where you can zoom in and see the exquisite detail. In due course, we hope that the model will be able to return to Deptford; it would make an incredible centrepiece to any museum about our royal dockyard.
* See comments for details of how to view the model - thanks to David Baxter for contributing this.
fabulous model!
ReplyDeletejust to follow on from my previous brief comment, this model is truly remarkable - quite extraordinary - and a perfect starting place for a historic development that can blend the old and the new - if only that were possible.
ReplyDeleteOf course its possible. The determining factor is whether Lewisham Planning and English Heritage request that the developer comply with current Planning Policy Statement on the Historic Environment PPS5. So far the developer has not complied with current policy. A good question for Joan Ruddock MP to ask would be why this is the case and let Deptford constituents know the answer.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.artfinder.com/lightbox/aerial-view-of-deptford-dockyard-joseph-farington/#1
ReplyDeleteENJOY!
Just to clarify - although the model is not on display in the National Maritime Museum you can arrange to see it without too much difficulty (as long as you are prepared to travel to Chatham Dockyard). At Chatham, there is a Collections Research Area available in No.1 The Smithery. Viewing takes place Thursday - Saturday 10.00 - 16.00hrs. You should contact the Stores Manager, David Lindridge, tel. no. 0208 312 6561 or email shipmodels@nmm.ac.uk, to arrange a viewing.
ReplyDeleteRe my comment on the whereabouts of the model, I would like to alert everyone that the model will be on display in the Royal River exhibition. This exhibition is running from 27 April to 9 September 2012 at the National Maritime Museum and, although there is an admission charge, you do not have the cost of travel to Chatham.
ReplyDelete