Model Ships Collection

Exhibition of model ships at the Royal Naval Museum, Somerset House. Steel engraving by Henry Melville after an
FLO4669392 Exhibition of model ships at the Royal Naval Museum, Somerset House. Steel engraving by Henry Melville after an illustration by Thomas Hosmer Shepherd from London Interiors

A Sailors Offering, a Scene in Normandy (engraving)
1105107 A Sailors Offering, a Scene in Normandy (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Sailors Offering, a Scene in Normandy)

Yachting in miniature (engraving)
728359 Yachting in miniature (engraving) by Hall, Sydney Prior (1842-1922); Private Collection; (add.info.: Yachting in miniature, a summer sketch at the round pond, Kensington Gardens, London)

Signalling for a Pilot (engraving)
1603006 Signalling for a Pilot (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Signalling for a Pilot. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 4 April 1891)

The Royal Naval Exhibitions (engraving)
1603125 The Royal Naval Exhibitions (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Royal Naval Exhibitions)

Models of Old English Ships of War (engraving)
1591299 Models of Old English Ships of War (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Models of Old English Ships of War)

Fishermens Children on the Sea Shore (engraving)
2772662 Fishermens Children on the Sea Shore (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Fishermens Children on the Sea Shore)

The Old Sailors Christmas Present (engraving)
1621477 The Old Sailors Christmas Present (engraving) by Robinson, Charles (1840-81); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Old Sailors Christmas Present)

Early Navigators (engraving)
1595758 Early Navigators (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Early Navigators. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 27 October 1888)

The Votive Offering (engraving)
1049230 The Votive Offering (engraving) by Hennessy, William John (1839-1917); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Votive Offering)

The Model Warship Race, an Event in the Mediterranean Fleet Regatta (litho)
1048568 The Model Warship Race, an Event in the Mediterranean Fleet Regatta (litho) by Nash, Joseph (d.1922); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Model Warship Race)

Models of Ships in the Naval Gallery at the South Kensington Museum (engraving)
1610642 Models of Ships in the Naval Gallery at the South Kensington Museum (engraving) by Weedon, Edwin (1819-79); Private Collection; (add.info)

Models of Ships in the South Kensington Museum (engraving)
1610191 Models of Ships in the South Kensington Museum (engraving) by Weedon, Edwin (1819-79); Private Collection; (add.info.: Models of Ships in the South Kensington Museum)

The International Exhibition, the Admiralty Department of the Naval Court (engraving)
1587901 The International Exhibition, the Admiralty Department of the Naval Court (engraving) by Weedon, Edwin (1819-79); Private Collection; (add.info.: The International Exhibition)

A Fine Day in Autumn, by the Serpentine (engraving)
1054389 A Fine Day in Autumn, by the Serpentine (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Fine Day in Autumn, by the Serpentine)

The Queens Jubilee Gift from the Royal Navy, Models of HMS Britannia and HMS Victoria (engraving)
1595238 The Queens Jubilee Gift from the Royal Navy, Models of HMS Britannia and HMS Victoria (engraving) by English School

A lesson in boat building (engraving)
728513 A lesson in boat building (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A lesson in boat building)

London Sketches, Miniature Yachting in Kensington Gardens (engraving)
1053054 London Sketches, Miniature Yachting in Kensington Gardens (engraving) by Macbeth, Robert Walker (1848-1910); Private Collection; (add.info.: London Sketches)

Naval Manoeuvres, First Lessons in Tactics (litho)
1062910 Naval Manoeuvres, First Lessons in Tactics (litho) by Reid, John Robertson (1851-1926); Private Collection; (add.info.: Naval Manoeuvres, First Lessons in Tactics)

The Highgate Model Yacht Club (engraving)
1607644 The Highgate Model Yacht Club (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Highgate Model Yacht Club)

The Young Shipwright (engraving)
1102617 The Young Shipwright (engraving) by Duncan, Lawrence (fl.1860-91); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Young Shipwright)

Model of Queen Elizabeths Yacht (engraving)
1103173 Model of Queen Elizabeths Yacht (engraving) by Weedon, Edwin (1819-79); Private Collection; (add.info.: Model of Queen Elizabeths Yacht)

Models of Old English Ships of War (engraving)
1591300 Models of Old English Ships of War (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Models of Old English Ships of War)

Hopes and Fears (engraving)
1590844 Hopes and Fears (engraving) by Overend, William Heysham (1851-98) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hopes and Fears)

Models of Ships in the Collection in the South Kensington Museum (engraving)
1610109 Models of Ships in the Collection in the South Kensington Museum (engraving) by Weedon, Edwin (1819-79); Private Collection; (add.info)

Trial of a New Steam Channel Ferry on the Serpentine (engraving)
1059141 Trial of a New Steam Channel Ferry on the Serpentine (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Trial of a New Steam Channel Ferry on the Serpentine)

Naval Presentation to the Queen (engraving)
1045997 Naval Presentation to the Queen (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Naval Presentation to the Queen)

A NFS (National Fire Service) water tank at Edmonton, North London, has been converted into a dockyard for model ships. It is enjoyed by passers by

Captain Watts teaches sea cadets all about practical seamanship July 1942

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Model ships have long been a sailor's offering, capturing the essence of maritime adventures in intricate detail. From scenes in Normandy to yachting in miniature, these engravings depict the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating these tiny vessels. Signalling for a pilot or participating in the Royal Naval Exhibitions, model ships showcase the skill and precision required for naval operations. With models of old English ships of war proudly displayed, one can almost hear the waves crashing against their hulls. Fishermen's children on the sea shore marvel at these masterpieces, dreaming of future voyages yet to come. The old sailor's Christmas present brings joy as he unwraps another ship-shaped treasure, reminiscent of his seafaring days. Early navigators relied on such models to chart their course through uncharted waters. These engravings serve as a testament to their ingenuity and determination. The votive offering pays homage to those lost at sea, reminding us of both the dangers and allure that lie beyond our shores. In grand regattas like the Mediterranean Fleet Regatta, model warships race with fierce competition and camaraderie among sailors from different nations. Meanwhile, museums like South Kensington Museum house an impressive collection of ship models that transport visitors back in time. Whether it be recreating historical battles or simply appreciating nautical artistry, model ships continue to captivate enthusiasts around the world. These miniaturized vessels are more than just objects; they embody centuries worth of maritime history and inspire countless dreams set sail upon vast oceans.