Model, of Norfolk wherry Gleaner

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The Norfolk wherry was developed for passenger and cargo use in the shallow waters of the East Anglian Broads. This wooden model represents the wherry 'Gleaner', registered at Lowestoft in 1910. It was built to a scale of 1:16 by Mr L Foster of Colchester in Essex.

'Gleaner' is a typical small, double-ended passenger and cargo carrier, with a covered hatch amidships and a small cabin aft for the two-man crew. A large, single sail was placed well forward on the wherry to catch the maximum wind. In unfavourable conditions the crew could pole the boat along by means of two quants or punting poles (visible on the model).

Wherries were used from the end of the 18th century when they replaced the Norfolk keels. The wherry's bow had a distinctive square of white paint. This is believed to have been derived from the eyes or 'oculus' depicted on the boats of ancient Egypt.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-152-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1947.43
• Date: Model: between 1910 and 1947; Original: 1910
  
• Material: Wood
  Wherry, Norfolk / model
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Wherry, Norfolk / model
  
• Subject: 23. SHIPPING, Fishing Boats (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Gleaner (wherry)
  L.H. Foster, Chale Cottage, Gore Pit, Kelvedon, Essex (Model maker)
  
• Where: England, Essex, Kelvedon
  England, Lowestoft
  
• Event:
• Description: Model of the Norfolk wherry Gleaner of Lowestoft to a scale of 5/16 of an inch to 1 foot
  
• References:
  • Storer, J D. Ship Models in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh: A catalogue of models representing the history of shipping from 1500 BC to the present day. Edinburgh: Royal Scottish Museum Information Series, 1985, p 67. 
• Translations:
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