A bespoke English shipbuilder has detailed the painstaking process of replacing the prominent bow decoration of Dundee’s most historic maritime vessel.
The figurehead of RRS Discovery, the famous Antarctic research ship sailed by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, underwent a replacement at Gloucester-based shipbuilding yard T Nielson & Co.
The English firm was responsible for the refurbishment of the historic ship’s masts and rigging, which were put back in to place in July.
They have showcased the exactness of their shipbuilding craft after releasing details of the figureheads’ reconstruction, from humble plank of wood to fine, hand painted prow of Dundee’s most well-loved ship.
The figurehead – an intricate wooden carving which adorns the prow of Discovery, 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 wood carving 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 spokesperson 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 woodgrain 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 funded in part through a crowd-funding campaign, which saw kind-hearted benefactors donate more than £40,000 towards the ship’s upkeep.
The prominent bow decoration was painted after being installed alongside the rigs and masts.
Kim Adamson, of Dundee Heritage Trust, said: “The figurehead was removed in December 2016 as it was deemed to be beyond any reasonable attempt of repair. Neilsen & Co. were commissioned to create a new figurehead.
“Neilsen’s brought the figurehead back to Dundee when they returned with the masts and rigging in June 2017.
“After many adjustments the figurehead was fitted and the ship’s crewman, Billy West, spent two weeks treating, sealing and undercoating it before giving it a top coat of gold paint.”
