Jump to content

Symbolic paint design?


Featured Posts

It's known as the Eye of Osiris, or sometimes as the Eye of Horus, and stems from an ancient Egyptian symbol which is supposed to watch over travellers and keep them safe.

 

At least, that's the theory - though I have sometimes wondered how working boat people and boatbuilders knew about Egyptian mythology.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Athy said:

It's known as the Eye of Osiris, or sometimes as the Eye of Horus, and stems from an ancient Egyptian symbol which is supposed to watch over travellers and keep them safe.

 

At least, that's the theory - though I have sometimes wondered how working boat people and boatbuilders knew about Egyptian mythology.

 

Citation required, I think!

I reckon it's just a decoration, nothing more!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Athy said:

At least, that's the theory - though I have sometimes wondered how working boat people and boatbuilders knew about Egyptian mythology.

The same way they knew about roses and castles I guess ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Samuel Batlow and Blue Line boats had an "Arrow Heart" on the top bends (like the one illustrated below) but I know nothing about their origins. The working boatmen apparently had a (rather rude) name for them!!

 

111956820_Helvetiatrip2015019.jpg.bd9214813b8bac66205157dfba76ebb8.jpg

 

 

 

Edited by David Schweizer
Link to comment
Share on other sites

So what's the symbolic meaning of the shapes you see painted on the cabin bulkhead at the stern?

 

This one looks like a person with a sheet over their head pretending to be a ghost but I'm sure that's not what it means.?

Screenshot_20190618-185200~2.png

Edited by blackrose
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Ray T said:

Haven’t got my books with me but different canal carries had varying versions of “ Mickey Mouse ears” on their back doors.

Perhaps to recognise their craft? Stand correction on this comment.

Yes Mickey Mouse ears. Perhaps it just meant they were big Disney fans? 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Ray T said:

Haven’t got my books with me but different canal carries had varying versions of “ Mickey Mouse ears” on their back doors.

Perhaps to recognise their craft? Stand correction on this comment.

The painter who repainted WotEver called them ‘Pigs Ears’. He asked me if I wanted them and I thought he was offering me some kind of porcine delicacy...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

32 minutes ago, WotEver said:

The painter who repainted WotEver called them ‘Pigs Ears’. He asked me if I wanted them and I thought he was offering me some kind of porcine delicacy...

Ordered some pigs ears with a beer somewhere out East once. Never again, not even painted ones! :sick:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The “ Mouses Ears”, nothing to do with the Disney version, had its origin in cart painting that preceded canal boats. Tony Lewery explored the connection in his early book, Narrowboat Painting. In my opinion, a decent set has the apex, or crown, touching the top of the doors in the centre and generous, sweeping curves, no straight lines, around the shoulders, ending at the point where the rear bulkhead meets the gunwale. Ventilation grilles can pose interesting issues for continuing the line.....

Before the question is asked, the scalloping on the front bulkhead of working boats, usually in black on red oxide, is known to some painters as “ Elephants Toenails” on account of their similarity.

Anorak off here......cheers!

Dave

  • Greenie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
On 18/06/2019 at 19:36, Sea Dog said:

Ordered some pigs ears with a beer somewhere out East once. Never again, not even painted ones! :sick:

Pigs ears are sold for dogs, but perhaps not for @Sea Dogs.

My boat is a semi-trad. I think these look a bit naff with wooden panels on the insides of the rear doors and being outside in all weathers, the wood soon deteriorates. I did mouse/pig ears on the outsides of the doors, then repeated the pattern on the inside, so with the doors open, they continue from the rear bulkhead. The pattern is carried on to the control pedestal on one side and the inside of the rear bulkhead on the other. Not traditional, but I think it looks alright.

 

Jen

IMG_20190702_112530.jpg.2d556badafa475c1518c0c988f784af1.jpg

 

IMG_20190702_112547.jpg.37d76a07ca7815fc8f4f3dab913c73d9.jpg

 

 

  • Greenie 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

53 minutes ago, Jen-in-Wellies said:

I did mouse/pig ears on the outsides of the doors, then repeated the pattern on the inside, so with the doors open, they continue from the rear bulkhead. The pattern is carried on to the control pedestal on one side and the inside of the rear bulkhead on the other. Not traditional, but I think it looks alright.

So do I Jen, very much so. Nice work. :)

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.