Jim Lad

Update - The following text regarding the Pandora's figurehead is taken from the website of the Queensland Museum. John "No one knows what the Pandora's figurehead looked like. Unfortunately, no sketches or drawings of it have come down from the 18th century. Stylistically, the figurehead may have resembled the one depicted in the Pandora Foundation's logo. Museum designer Robert Allen, who created the logo, was inspired by sketches of figureheads of 18th century Royal Navy frigates built by the Pandora's builders after they had transferred their yards from Deptford on the Thames to a new location at Buckler's Hard in Hampshire. Many late 18th century figureheads on RN ships depict bare-breasted women in flowing robes, each carrying an object popularly associated with their mythical persona. So, it is quite probable that the Pandora figurehead was carved carrying a box-this being the only instantly recognisable object associated with her name. However, unless some new illustration is found, it is unlikely that we will find out what the Pandora's figurehead really looked like. Unfortunately it probably has not survived the harsh environment underwater at the wreck. But, it cannot be ruled out that maybe some day a sketch will be discovered in an archive somewhere. Reports of a figurehead, said to be based on the original from the Pandora, reached the museum in 1995. This stirred up some excitement at the time. Located in the stairwell of the Pandora Inn near Restronguet Creek in Cornwall in the UK, the reported figurehead was said to be a copy of the Pandora's, based on the original. However, upon seeing a picture of the figurehead, some doubts arose about its authenticity as a copy of the original. To date, the claim that it is based on the original still appears somewhat fanciful. Enquiries museum staff made about it have determined that the inn's figurehead was probably carved around 1965. The claim that it is based on the original is probably as doubtful as a text on a publicity brochure-published by the Inn's owners in the late 1980s-informing visitors that the Inn was once owned and managed by the Pandora's Captain Edwards, after he had retired from the Royal Navy. Unfortunately for this piece of creative advertising, an association between Captain Edwards and Cornwall cannot be established historically"

Hello Craig, and a warm welcome to the forum. I'm pretty sure that the Pandora's figurehead hasn't been recovered. Only about a third of the ship remains and of that third, only a small portion has been excavated. The Queensland museum currently have no plans to continue excavation of the wreck. John

She already looks like a beautiful 1960's Italian lady! John

Well, I suppose it all looks fairly reasonable! Thanks for your continuing detailed information on your methods, Keith. John PS By the look of your tin of Brasso, there've been a few price hikes since the song was written.

Thanks for the update, Stuart! John

Hello Hal, and a warm welcome from 'Down Under'. John

Nice to see some more detail completed, Bob. John

That detail really sets her off, Mark. John

Great start, Gil. John

O.C. - the keel blocks are placed exactly down the centre of the dock. When the ship is floated in she's centred in the dock (easy by judicious use of mooring ropes) and when the water is pumped out she settles on the keel blocks. John

I agree with you that dragons are really beautiful boats, Gil. I'll be following along. John

Hello Paul, and another warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'. John

Looking very nice, Mike. John

That mast is looking pretty good, Adrian. John

Looks good, mate! John

So, when are you taking her out for a test trawl? John

Hello, and a warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'. John

Looking good, Popeye, but I think the copper should come up a little higher. John

Just caught up with this thread, Pat. Why not simply use an appropriately coloured thread and avoid the hassle? John

I agree with the others - a new log, mate! John

I think she looks nicer with that open rear deck, Bob - very elegant! John

Absolutely delightful detail, Nils! John

From a concept to a ship! John

Hello Dave, and a warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'. John

that deck has turned out well, Popeye. Regarding the placement of deck beams; yes, there would be a beam at either end of the hatches. John