Figurehead of HMS 'Queen Charlotte'

Unknown carver at Chatham Royal Dockyard

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

circa 1784

Maquette for the warship HMS Queen Charlotte launched at Chatham in 1790. The figurehead shows Queen Charlotte, the consort of King George III and probably required Royal approval before the full size figurehead was made. The actual carver remains unknown but worked under the direction of the Dockyard's Master Carver, George Williams. HMS Queen Charlotte took part in the French Wars but took fire off Livorno, Italy in 1800 and blew up with the loss of 700 men.

• Medium: limewood
• Dimensions: 36 x 18 x 18cm
• Art Fund Grant: £30000 ( Total: £60,000)
• ArtFunded in: 2005
• Vendor: Bonhams

Provenance

Sir John Henslow, Chief Surveyor to the Navy 1774-1806; then by family descent.

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