Skip to main content

At the Helm

I particularly like this vignette contrived totally of Skipjack inventory with the bronze sculpture titled "At the Helm" by William Barth Osmundsen, sculpturer, in the foreground and the antique ship's wheel centered on the rustic barn wood wall behind.

A pair of custom made nautical lamps made from 1970's vintage brass navigational lights flanks a scratch-built model of a Chesapeake Bay "Deadrise" by Edward R. Payne from Urbanna, Virginia. The lamps retain their original red and green removable lens and we've added ballast that turn the lamp on and controls the intensity of the interior lights and a three way switch that operates independently to control the room lighting. These lamps come with burlap covered lampshades and are mounted on to thick pine wooden bases. Standing 34 inches tall, they are perfect for a lot of applications where you need a matching pair of nautical lights.

The lamps sit upon a pedestal table with the top being a large ship's window with thick glass and heavy brass frame measuring 31 X 67 inches with curved corners and mounted onto painted wood pedestals.

The large mahogany and oak ship's wheel comes to us from the Raymond Squires Maritime Collection. The wheel is believed to be American and is from the second half of the 19th century. It features eight ring-turned spokes and the outer wheel appears to be made from ash. Measuring 46 inches in diameter, it retains a great old weathered finish and patina.

The bronze sculpture "At the Helm"stands in the center of a glass top replica ship's wheel coffee table. The first of the lost wax bronzes, was presented by HM King Olav V of Norway as the City of Oslo Award to the captain and crew of the full-rigged tall ship Christian Radich. This vigorous bronze by William Barth Osmundsen, has found a permanent and appropriate place in the aft saloon of this majestic Norwegian sailing vessel. It was on her decks during OpSail 76 that Osmundsen was inspired to undertake a series of "Bronzes from the Sea." There are nine subjects extant, all of which have been shown in New York, Houston and Oslo. "At the Helm". Bronze. Wheel diameter measures 15 inches. Mounted on Pakistanian marble. This bronze is signed by the artist and numbered 1/125.

Click here to go to Skipjack's Nautical Living home page.

Click here and visit Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery on Facebook!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

J. Robert Burnell: Reflections of the Famed Portsmouth Artist

"The Captain's House" by J. Robert Burnell Portsmouth artist J. Robert Burnell (Bobby) grew up around the water in a family of watermen, and sailing his own boat since he was ten years old. He has sailed on nearly every type of workboat on the Chesapeake Bay.  It's no wonder that Burnell's love of the water reflects so naturally in his marine paintings.  Bobby Burnell is recognized for his vivid depictions of life on the Chesapeake Bay.  The subject is his favorite - each piece open and honest, providing a unique understanding of its mood and people. 'The Captain's House' by Burnell is shown above. One of the largest collections of Burnell's marine art is on exhibit at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery   and his works are on display in their showroom year-round. "Scott's Creek- Circa 1915 by J. Robert Burnell One of the keys to Burnell's success on the canvas is the work he does outside the studio.  Burnell believe...

Marine Artist Bob Holland Captures the Essence of our Maritime History

The Bounty, Greenport, New York.  Limited edition Giclee reproduction From original watercolor . Image size 20"x 27"      I met Bob Holland for the first time in 2009 at his studio in  d’ART CENTER in Norfolk, Virginia. We were about to open an exhibit titled "Celebrating our Maritime Heritage" as part of the 20th Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race and our first annual "Schooner Days" events held in conjunction with the Schooner Race here in Olde Towne Portsmouth. As a Hampton Roads native, I've grown accustom to seeing the art work of this well known artist and I really wanted to have Bob Holland's marine artwork in our gallery and as part of this exhibit. "The Eagle" USCG United States Coast Guard New London, Connecticut. Limited edition Giclee reproduction from original watercolor. Image size 20"x27"      Bobby Burnell, another exceptional marine artist that we represent had just delivered to us a few  new pain...

Marine Artist Jim Campbell

"The Eagle" Pen and ink drawing by marine artist Jim Campbell Jim has a penchant for old maritime adventure. His interest in treasure ships, shipwrecks, clipper ships, Spanish Galleons loaded with gold and silver plus the pirates and buccaneers that piled the seas has always been fascinating to him. "Duel at Hampton Roads"  Pen and ink on navigational chart. In the course of his sailing ship research, he has become a historian as well. He revels in the telling of tales and debunking myths created by authors to suit their stories.While working for the Examiner in San Francisco, Jim became enchanted with ships in the bay. At this point, his interest in maritime art began. Sketching the fishermen, cargo vessels and old wharf buildings was the start of his career. People watching him draw often would say, what are you asking for that drawing, and would you sign it! He has been introduced as, "Oh, you're the artist that draws the ships." In galleries and mu...