The Restoration of the Ship Figureheads

Figureheads from Royal Naval ships, linked to Devonport, were restored to create the entrance display for the museum, The Box, Plymouth. My work was undertaken in stills and video, stereoscopic, and photogrammetry photography to support this undertaking. Producing 3D printed models to aid in visualisation for the hanging.

The Royal Naval 19th Century Ships Figureheads Professional Conservation Photography

 Visual imagery has a key role in Cultural Heritage projects. Recording visual imagery of conservation and preservation processes creates both an archival record for learning purposes and a visual display for public consumption.

Highly Skilled Workmanship - Conservation Photography

Many months of specialist restoration work is often required to conserve and prepare such unique artefacts, either in-situ or in a workshop. Investing in professional conservation photography to capture, demonstrate methods and preserve the memory of delicate conservation and restoration work is vital.

I am a member of the Association for Historical and Fine Art Photography (AHFAP). We are a membership-based organisation for image professionals in the cultural heritage sector. AHFAP aims to provide a forum for photographers, image-makers, conservators and image archivists to share experiences and benefit from mutual co-operation.

My work is supporting the Curator, Conservator and Scholar through varying types of imagery.

Story of the Naval Ships

The images are some of the selected figureheads to be uplifted for conservation and restoration. Shown along with the original sketches for the figurehead submitted to the Admiralty for approval. Next is the figurehead in-situ at the Devonport Museum, inside the docks, before being uplifted. Thirdly, is the start of the uplift and the transportation away.

‘Documentary-style’ Videos

Different works on restoration of Figureheads

Below are the figureheads undergoing work at different restorer’s workshops. The only colour scheme to work from was a set of Players cigarette cards from the early 20th Century. Finally restored and hung at The BOX, Plymouth.

3D Modelling

Part of my work was in creating 3D models from my photography. This would allow the design team to make decisions over which order to hang the figureheads once finished.