Click on the photographs for a larger image

Not exactly modern boats but the British have an enduring love affair with Thames Barges which need just a master and mate to crew them.

In 1914 there were well over two thousand sailing barges carrying cargoes, mainly around the east coast of Britain. Their cargoes were varied but grain and hay from east Anglia were common, and building materials and garden produce from Kent. Just after the second World War there were a thousand barges but today less than forty remain. Nevertheless barge-men, who were always inveterate racers, still race today.

Two of the barge models we have made are shown here. One demonstrates the extent to which silver sails can be worked - a piece with particularly slack sails we titled ‘Ghosting on an Ebb Tide’. Sails on the other model have been worked hardly at all but it is shown here as the exception to the rule - that we do not duplicate models of this sort!

This model was made originally as shown, in sterling silver with sails gold plated and a back plate depicting the London skyline. The client decided he wanted a replica of the model in 18ct yellow gold throughout for a presentation - but with a deadline we could not possibly meet. The solution was to dismantle this model, gold plate it entirely, make the presentation, and replace it with the 18ct model later!

Data
Sterling silver, sails gold plated (and hatch covers on one model).
Scale	1:70
Ships Hulls	both circa 10 inch (25.4cm)
Plinths	slack sail model	blue pearl granite
	London skyline backplate model	wood

Prev		Next