Ships' Figureheads

Over centuries past, powerful nations and empires have 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 to create decorative forms was for the shipping industry the job of the ship’s carver; a profession that demanded artistic ability together with a knowledge of the functional requirements of the vessel.

Written by a professional ship’s carver who has restored many figureheads, this book reveals the skills and stories behind the profession and some of the primary families – the Hellyers and the Dickersons – back to the 18th century. Ships’ Figureheads reveals information about these and other carving families, providing a socio-historic account of the times and in so doing an insight into the world they inhabited, with an in-depth practical knowledge of their work.