The exhibition gets underway on Saturday and celebrates Scotland’s golden age of sailing.
The Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine is set to celebrates three remarkable yacht building dynasties of Scotland’s golden age of sailing in a new exhibition.
The event, which opens on Saturday, February 22, draws on rare artefacts, original drawings and intricate models from the Mylne Archive and the G.L. Watson Archive, which is held by Scottish Yachting Archives, Crafting Elegance: the Golden Age of Scottish Yacht Design brings to life the extraordinary designs of George Lennox Watson, Alfred Mylne I and II and William Fife I, II and III.
The exhibition, which also features exhibits and historic vessels from the Museum’s own collection, explores how these pioneering designers combined traditional shipbuilding techniques with ground-breaking innovation to push the boundaries of yacht design in the late 19th to mid 20th centuries.
Their designs included racing yachts competing in the legendary America’s Cup to luxury vessels commissioned by European royalty and high society.
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Held in the Museum’s Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside, the exhibitions also looks at how George Lennox Watson, the world’s first dedicated yacht designer, revolutionised the field by introducing scientific principles to what was once a purely intuitive craft.
And it follows the remarkable journey of the Mylnes, whose designs, like those of Watson and the Fifes, graced waters from the Clyde to distant shores across the globe.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in the legacy of the Fife family, learning more about their legendary Fairlie yard and their mastery of design and craftsmanship. On show are two yachts built by William Fife III – Vagrant and Powerful.
The 1884 Vagrant, which recently underwent a major preservation in the Museum’s Scottish Boat Building School, is thought to be the oldest surviving Clyde-built racing yacht.
The small racer Powerful was built in 1900 and is believed to be one of only 50 surviving seaworthy Fife yachts across the world.
Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, says: “We are thrilled to open Crafting Elegance: The Golden Age of Scottish Yacht Design in collaboration with the prestigious Mylne Archive and G.L. Watson Archive.
“The exhibition takes visitors on a compelling journey through a remarkable chapter in Scotland’s maritime history. It has appeal for everyone, whether a sailing enthusiast or simply curious about Scottish innovation and craftsmanship.
“We hope everyone enjoys learning more about these internationally recognised designers whose beautiful, fast and painstakingly crafted vessels were masterpieces of engineering and artistic vision.”
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Sailing emerged as a popular pastime in the mid-19th century. Growing interest in yachting and regattas led to a demand for naval architects and specialist studios and yards sprang up along the coast.
The River Clyde’s geography and rich maritime heritage created the perfect conditions for these three visionary design firms to flourish and soon Scotland became synonymous with excellence in yacht design.
Admission to Crafting Elegance: The Golden Age of Scottish Yacht Design is included in Museum admission.
The Museum is open daily 10am – 5pm. Up to three children go FREE with each Adult/Concession ticket.
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