This well-illustrated collector's guide covers a wide range of nautical decorative arts and navigational instruments. The book spans the period from the sixteenth century to the present day with an emphasis on the golden age of production between 1800 and 1940. These more modern pieces are readily found in specialist shops and auctions and are therefore more affordable than earlier and rarer pieces.
The book is divided into eight chapters, covering ship models, navigational instruments, ship fixtures and fittings, marine arts and crafts, ocean liner artefacts and ship portrait painting. A concluding chapter lists public and private collections where marine art can be seen and provides information on its purchase internationally. There is also practical advice on the restoration of these artefacts.
Reader Reviews
Just occasionally, I pick up a book and realise I have a quality product in my hands. It is nothing to do with size or format - just a certain finesse that speaks more than words. Jon Baddeley's "Nautical Antiques & Collectables" is such a product. I was not surprised, therefore, to discover he works for Sotheby's - a company of great quality in itself. Generally speaking, scuba divers do not recover very many artefacts from shipwrecks and, even when they do, it might be some insignificant souvenir from the dive that is only of value to the diver - as a memento. Others quickly deteriorate on exposure to the atmosphere but even more were destroyed by immersion in salt water. Nevertheless, we do all retain a passion for ships and the sea and anything that goes with them and many of us do become avis collectors of anything (and sometimes everything) to do with the ships. This book is an excellent choice for all those with an interest in Nautical artefacts. It is well laid out with headings which include Models, Instruments, Fixtures & Fittings, Arts & Crafts, Portraits, Ocean Liner Ephemera, Caring for one's collection and finally where to go in the world to see what's on display. Quite frankly, there is little more one could ask of a book on this subject. NM
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