CUTTY SARK FIGUREHEAD
Andy Peters of Maritima, has recently been awarded the contract to make a new figurehead for the Cutty Sark. This is to be based on Hercules Linton’s original drawing.
The figurehead currently on the ship was carved during the 1954-7 restoration, by Arthur Levison. Arthur’s father was an accomplished figurehead carver working from Swansea and then Gloucester in the late 1800’s. Arthur assisted his father in carving figures, the last of which was for Loch Trool in 1908
The current figure, was based on what remained of a previous figure. Which due to damage through storm or collision, no longer had its original head or arm.
The figurehead now over 60 years old, is showing signs of rot. The opportunity has therefore arisen to replace it with the form originally intended by the ship’s designer, Hercules Linton.
TO WATCH A SHORT YOUTUBE FILM ON MAKING THE NEW FIGUREHEAD, PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
The image above shows the old figurehead now removed from the ship. Below is Hercules Linton's drawing, which will form the basis of the new figure
PROJECT PROGRESS
Hercule Linton's drawing shows the figure from the starboard side.
A set of working drawings were compiled to show the figure from head on and port side. From these a maquette was produced, translating the drawings into a three dimensional sculpture.
The following images show the maquette, and the first stage in creating the figure. This involves laminating sections of timber to form the carving block.
