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Half Model, Swim-headed Barge, 1805, varnished hull on white board, 142x505mm. Part of a collection of three half models. A vessel designed for the economic movement of goods over short distances and generally in rivers or shallow sea waters. The almost square section of the hull gave the greatest capacity over the shortest length of the hull. It was and is similarly relatively easy to build with unsophisticated equipment. Naturally there were adaptions to meet the needs and customs of different areas. The swim-headed and sprit-sail barges were intended for use along the East and South East coasts of England and the river Thames where for the process of loading and unloading the vessels were allowed to sit on the beach or mud with the falling tide. This gave rise to the flat bottom. The swim-headed barge form can be seen today on London's River as the dumb barges carrying town refuse from London depots to its dumping area down river.

212

ship model
half model

Holman Shipping

Boats and Ships