Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Fine details of how prow got shipshape
A BESPOKE English shipbuilder has detailed the painstaking process of replacing the prominent bow decoration on one of Dundee’s historic maritime vessels.
The figurehead of RRS Discovery, the Antarctic research ship sailed by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, underwent a replacement at Gloucester-based shipbuilding yard T Nielson & Co.
The firm was responsible for the refurbishment of the ship’s masts and rigging.
It has showcased the intricacies of their shipbuilding craft after releasing details of the figurehead’s reconstruction, from a humble plank of wood to fine, hand-painted prow.
The figurehead — an intricate wooden carving decorated with a Union Jack and leaf detail — has been reconstructed from Douglas fir timber.
The original carving had rotted, but the outline of the figurehead was recreated using accurate woodcarving techniques, combined with modern cutting technology, which the company has said will “ensure a like-for-like” replica of the “beautiful piece of British maritime history”.
A spokeswoman for T Nielsen described how craftsmen painstakingly recreated the iconic front.
She said: “At the beginning of the carving process, only angle grinders were used.
“Two different types of chain carver discs proved excellent at removing vast amounts of wood quickly and flexible abrasive discs were used for smoothing down.
“Templates were made to recreate certain complicated sections and much was accomplished by eye and touch.
“A wide variety of chisels and gouges were then used and good knowledge of wood grain and edge tool sharpening was essential.
“The figurehead started to take shape, with the carving becoming more intricate.”
The Discovery’s seven-month refurbishment programme was paid for in part through a crowdfunding campaign, which saw kind-hearted benefactors donate more than £40,000.
The prominent bow decoration was installed alongside the rigs and masts in July. The ship’s crewman, Billy West, spent two weeks treating, sealing and undercoating it before giving it a top coat of gold paint.