New model of the Matthew figurehead

After a day of sketching all sorts of hounds with their tongues out and leaping, I have made a new maquette of the talbot figurehead. I wanted it to look keen but not aggressive or dopey and I'm happy with the outcome! It will be attached to look like it is springing out of the bow, looking for adventure (or it's home port)

Final measurements for the Matthew figurehead.

A few days ago saw me swinging off the front of the Matthew again, getting some vital measurements of the bow profile before beginning to carve the figurehead. Thanks to Thom and the volunteers for their help.

Here's a picture of the Matthew, moored in Bristol harbour. This replica of the ship (in which John Cabot sailed to Newfoundland) was built in 1994.

Job done!

Here's small clay maquette, which was made to work out the rough proportions of the finished figurehead. It will be a talbot, an extinct breed of hunting dog which was apparently once kept near the harbour to rescue people who fell in. It will give you an idea of the final piece.