At The Conservation Center, we’re no strangers to unique and treasured heirlooms, each carrying its own history and sentimental value. One such remarkable piece that recently set sail into our lab was a crafted model cutter ship—a beloved family artifact that had weathered the tides of time. This intricate model had been passed down through four generations, gracing the dens and studies of various homes where it served as a backdrop for family gatherings, games, and conversations. However, years of nicotine exposure, UV damage, and multiple moves had taken a toll, leaving the ship in need of expert care.
Watch Stephen Ryan, senior conservator of furniture, treat the intricate rigging in the video below — then scroll to learn more about model ships and the conservation process:
Model ships have a rich history spanning thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians placed boat models in tombs, while 18th-century shipbuilders used admiralty models to refine their designs before constructing full-scale vessels. During the Age of Sail—roughly from the mid-16th to mid-19th centuries, when sailing ships ruled global trade, exploration, and warfare—shipbuilders relied on models for planning, and affluent collectors displayed them as symbols of maritime prestige. Today, these intricate miniatures remain cherished collectibles and historical artifacts, preserving the craftsmanship and traditions of the seafaring world.
Before treatment.
Before treatment.
When the model cutter ship arrived at The Conservation Center, it had certainly seen better days. A layer of particulate matter coated its surfaces, dulling its once-vibrant details. The ship’s rigging had suffered significant damage—twelve sheets (ropes) were broken, and the dry, brittle fibers had rotted away. Several structural elements were also compromised: the lower mainsail club, the second topsail club on the main mast, and the second topsail club on the forward mast were all broken.
The sails prior to treatment.
Before treatment.
Before treatment.
The hull had sustained a two-inch area of loss at the bow, and the forward cabin had detached from the deck. Further signs of wear included missing boat launch arms, flaking varnish on the sails, paint loss on the hull, and a misaligned cradle that prevented the model from sitting properly. Clearly, this ship was in desperate need of a steady hand at the helm.
Our team of skilled conservators got to work, documenting the ship’s condition with high-resolution photography before embarking on the restoration process. Surface cleaning was the first order of business, removing accumulated dirt and grime while preserving the delicate finishes beneath. To stabilize the flaking varnish on the sails, a specialized conservation adhesive was applied, ensuring that the fragile material would no longer deteriorate. The three broken sail clubs were expertly repaired, restoring the ship’s structural integrity.
Watch the repair of the broken sails below:
One of the most intricate aspects of the restoration involved replacing the damaged rigging. Using waxed cotton carefully toned to match the original, our team painstakingly restrung the ship, bringing back the fine, web-like detailing that had once defined its elegance. The hull’s flaking paint was stabilized to prevent further loss, while missing sections were carefully inpainted to blend seamlessly with the surrounding areas. Finally, the ship was realigned within its cradle, ensuring it sat securely and proudly once more.
After treatment.
After treatment.
After treatment.
For the ship’s owners, the restoration was more than just a physical transformation—it was the revival of a cherished family legacy.
As our client shared:
“It’s always been a focal point in dens and studies in various homes over the years where families would gather to talk, play games, and spend time together. By the time we inherited it, it had been exposed to years of nicotine and UV damage. After several moves, the masts had broken, and the rigging had dry rotted and snapped. My husband said he wanted it to ‘be presentable and physically stable to have in our home,’ so we made the decision to restore and conserve it. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. It’s the first time in a long time that the masts and flags are positioned correctly, and the final product looks outstanding! We are so excited to have it restored and back in our home.”
The conservation of this model cutter ship is a testament to the importance of preserving family heirlooms and the memories they hold. Through careful restoration, this treasured piece has been brought back to life, ready to serve as a symbol of history, craftsmanship, and family tradition for generations to come. At The Conservation Center, we are honored to be a part of these journeys—ensuring that beloved artifacts continue to tell their stories, one repair at a time.
