comments on Restoration “worthiness”
Last weeks article Deciding What’s Worth Saving struck a nerve. In the first week there were over 1000 reads, and an average of five and a half minutes spent on the page. (believe me the age of the short attention span, that’s a lot!)
We also received some great feedback… both via the comments section at the bottom of the article and our instagram page. I have a feeling that many in the wooden boat community are inherently reticent about airing their opinions. Our relationships with the craft are often private affairs, and we respect that. But we sincerely value your opinions, so when you feel the urge to put pen to paper (read-finger to keyboard) please do!
Here are some of the great comments.
From Tony Burgess, Custodian of VALHALLA
Interesting discussion form ALL............priorities !!!............ANMM spend a large amount on HMAS VAMPIRE in Sydney's Darling Harbour..........and NO funds in rescuing Cockatoo Island where the 2 dry docks, Fitzroy and Sutherland could assist with maintenance and preservation !!!..........In the 1980's I was the Photogrammetrist who carried out the Photogrammetric Survey of both, when both docks were "empty" of water !!!!..........we are missing our chances..........I've dealt with the ANMM and they seem to be in a different world !!!.........cheers Tony off Valhalla.........a Huon Pine classic.
Sutherland and Fitzroy Docks. Photograph by Janette Pelosi
From John Rogerson-Custodian of the 1960 Alan Payne designed Tasman Seabird SAFARI
Mark, I think you have nailed the criteria!I would emphasise the importance of pleasure. Unquestionably pleasure can come from the visual allure of a well designed boat, but the reason these boats have survived for so long in the first place is they have been fit for purpose. Like the preservation of our built environment, historical buildings only live on if they are living breathing things that people can engage with. Historic vessels surely the same?
Tasman Seabird SAFARI
From Peter Higgs-President of The Wooden Boat Guild of Tasmania
It is incredibly important that we preserve our Maritime Heritage which of course is something difficult to do particularly in Australia where it is not seen as important as the Built Environment. To assist in recent years in Tasmania we have been conducting Photogrammetry to at least capture the lines of heritage or significant vessels. The dilemma is how do you prioritise one vessel above another which has been explained well above. Some of our work has been with local history houses and museums who are not funded well for restorations. As such, at least using Photogrammetry the lines can be captured and preserved. This can also aid 3D reproduction of the vessels and then if the history and stories can be documented, it is starting to build a rich document of that vessel’s life, work and the culture it created for a community. See www.superiorboatrestoration.com
In Europe they use the Barcelona Charter to ensure all Maritime Heritage and historic vessels of good provenance are restored or preserved. We do have some tools which assist in the decision making process.
From Baden Pascoe -Marine historian, New Zealand.
Great points here. Then there is the other side of the question where the vessel is preserved. Especially if it has a deep history and in my view this is what should happen to the RAMBLER. And this is what is happening to the 1863 schooner DARING. Both of these boats would loose too much of their original fabric (term used ion conservation of an article). The DARING in particular, is of stunning design, her shape is so eye catching. Her short history is the perfect snapshot of coastal trade on the New Zealand coast in the 1860's. Her builder and owners yet again offer a great story thread spanning many cultures including Maori. Sorry to brag, but we know we have some thing very special in DARING and that's why we are preserving her.
The extraction of the DARING
Michele Anderson- Custodian of SEQUELLA and ACROSPIRE III with her partner Col.
Interesting read Mark. There are several main issues of concern in Australia and particularly Victoria. The government has never really shown much interest in any restoration work. Example is the ALMA DOPEL and just how hard it is to get funding.
Having just returned from New Zealand, and seeing what they have done at the Auckland Harbour, we are a long way off. Saying that, they still struggle to get funding, but at least they can show the boats off on a designated wharf area. I agree it's important to remember our maritime history, but sadly, we don't have the government support or encouragement. As for choosing boats, I agree you must have a good pedigree!
The Anderson’s ACROSPIRE III
From Will curator custodian of AWB 435 ETERNITY and the brilliant Instagram page Boats of Sydney
Great article mark. This is right up my alley. For what it's worth here’s my two cents. The ALMONTA is a basket case. She's been under for a year. The teredo worm has taken hold.
The RAMBLER is rebuildable with the expectation there would be a handful of reusable original planks, timbers and frames in her.
FORCEFUL should definitely be retained by the Queensland Government. There is a Change.org petition people can sign up to as well as a Facebook group. Anyone is welcome to join.
BETH seems not too far gone and most likely needs philanthropic or local government funding to be retained.
The FORCEFUL in better days
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
– George Bernard Shaw