"The Construction of a Great Lakes Warship"

Acrylic on Paper

9 x 15 1/2 inches (23 x 39.5 cm)

Signed, lower left

Framed & Glazed

Literature: “Great Lakes Warships 1812 - 1815”, Osprey Publishing, 2012

In 1813 and 1814 the sheer speed with which both British and Americans constructed new ships on the Great Lakes was extraordinary. Seasoned timber was unavailable and skilled carpenters in short supply. Any iron fittings had to be transported long distances to the shores of the lakes, which were still very much frontier territories. The wood used was that which was close-at-hand and oak, maple and pine were often mixed together in one vessel. As the pace of construction became frantic, even green, unseasoned wood was employed and risky shortcuts became common such as dispensing with "knees" (used to attach deck beams to hull frames).

The ships produced this way were crude and subject to rot but were usually able to fight the single decisive action for which they were required.

Full description on request / A larger photograph is available

For queries or to reserve the painting for 24 hours, contact Charles Mayes

cm@marineartists.co.uk +44(0)20 7352 7759

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