News release

26th Annual Model Makers' Showcase

Tourism, Culture and Heritage (Dec. 2003 - Jan. 2011)

From detailed models carved by ancient Egyptians almost 5,000 years ago, to today's plastic kits, the craft of ship modelling is as old as sea travel itself.

On Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will present the 26th Annual Model Makers' Showcase, a celebration of model ships and the art of crafting them.

Hosted by the Maritime Ship Modelers' Guild, the weekend exhibition will feature model-makers from across Nova Scotia and ships of every shape and size.

For enthusiasts, the showcase is a chance to marvel at the work of these talented craftsmen, while seeking expertise and advice for personal projects. For younger visitors, fun workshops provide an opportunity to build their own tugboat or even the infamous Titanic.

While ship modelling is often viewed as a hobby, the craft has a long history, featuring several purposes, as exemplified in the Maritime Museum's collection.

Until the 18th century, vessels were designed by model instead of on paper. Admiralty models constructed for the Royal Navy are an example.

Proposed designs for warships would be crafted as models to entice prospective civilian financiers, then the models would be used during ship building as a tool to help workers avoid construction errors.

Prisoner of War models also boast an interesting history. From as far back as the Napoleonic wars, to Nova Scotia POW camps during the First World War, prisoners would craft crude models from scraps of wood and bone, to relieve boredom and barter for luxury items.

In the modern era, movie models demonstrate yet another function of the craft. From children's television programs such as the Halifax-based Theodore Tugboat, to big-screen films like James Cameron's Titanic, models help bring stories, both whimsical and incredible, to life.

The showcase will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax. Admission will be charged.