Ships' Figureheads: Famous Carving Families

Over centuries past, powerful nations and empires have expressed their might and control in part through the strength of their navies and their industrial and commercial prowess through fleets of vessels. The desire to add ornamentation to even the most utilitarian of objects is evident throughout history, and ships were no exception. The task to create decorative forms was for the shipping industry the job of the ship’s carver; a profession that demanded artistic ability together with a kn...