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Ship modelsThe National Maritime Museum has one of the finest ship model collections in the world with around 3200 in number. Browse the entire collection or: View by:
About this collectionThe National Maritime Museum has one of the finest ship model collections in the world with around 3200 in number. The Museum collection contains all types of models from ethnographic, Navy Board and half-block models to builder's, design, waterline and full hull models. The models featured online include vessels such as schooners, steam yachts, paddle yachts, lifeboats, curraghs, cutters, fishing vessels, luggers, trawlers and topographical models (of dockyards and ports). These models represent vessels dating from the 16th century to the present day. Its origins date back to the beginning of the 19th century when Sir Robert Seppings, a naval architect, founded a national collection of ship models at Somerset House. These models were relocated to Kensington in the 1860s and then on to the Royal Naval College at Greenwich in the 1870s. When the National Maritime Museum was established by act of parliament in 1934, they were transferred to the Museum and were joined by models from the Greenwich Hospital Collection and the famous 'Mercury' Collection. Since its foundation, the Museum has acquired models from many sources, most notably the R. C. Anderson Collection, the Royal Navy, the Royal United Services Institution and the Science Museum. It has also received many by gift, bequest and purchase. Researchers are welcome to study items but an appointment must be made in advance. Please contact the E-library for further information. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8312 6516 Related websites |
