Carving Early American Weathervanes

Construct 29 classic pieces from 150 detailed, measured drawings and photographs. Styles range from early American primitive to relatively sophisticated late 18th- and early 19th-century trends. Chosen pieces represent the work of such masters as Duncan Phyfe, William Savery, John Elliot, Hepplewhite, Goddard, and Sheraton. 32 photos.

American Weathervanes: The Art of the Winds, published to coincide with an exhibition at the American Folk Art Museum, reveals the beauty, historical significance, and technical virtuosity of American vanes fashioned between the late seventeenth and early twentieth centuries. This American art form has long been an enduring part of the country's skylines. Early church steeples were graced with weathercocks, following a European tradition that dates to the MiddleAges. America's first documented vane maker, metalsmith Shem Drowne of Boston, crafted a number of surviving vanes, including the iconic golden grasshopper that has topped the city's Faneuil Hall since 1742. Farmers, blacksmiths, and other craftsmen proudly fashioned roosters, cows, horses, and other forms for country barns, and as the tradition and public demand expanded over the course of the nineteenth century, so did the diversity of forms, which grew to fill the mail order catalogs of commercial manufacturers in Boston, New York, and other cities. Today, weathervanes hold a well-established place in the canon of American folk art and American Weathervanes celebrates this artistry in the most up-to-date and authoritative work on the subject. Lavishly illustrated with masterworks from prominent private and public collections, this is a book to be treasured by anyone who collects or simply admires American vernacular art and sculpture.

Engaging survey of nearly 200 years of great native folk art: weathervanes, portraits, Indians, ship figureheads, toys, decoys, etc. 17th through 19th century. Styles, uses, technical information, makers. 68 illustrations.

More than two dozen traditional and original models of the wind-powered toys known as whirligigs appear in this how-to manual. Easy-to-follow instructions, detailed illustrations.

Invaluable guide offers detailed descriptions, drawings of masting, rigging, and major fittings of American clippers and packets. Also includes wealth of details on deck furniture. 279 line drawings.

A classic in its field, THE BUILT-UP SHIP MODEL is an expert guide aimed at model builders with experience, patience, and a passion for building "the real thing". Photographs illustrate day-to-day work in progress. Over 100 drawings demonstrate correct implementation of the more complex instructions. In his introduction, the author chronicles the exciting career of the LEXINGTON and the role it played in America's fight for freedom.

In this wonderful resource for both novice and veteran carvers, two masters of the craft present detailed instructions and illustrations on how to confidently carve animals, flowers, figures, and more.