Traditional canal boat painting

[Ken lennon]

Is there a significance of the choice of card suit shapes for decoration on narrowboats? Is it all shapes and colours? Is there a historical reason?

[Ray T]

From what I know they were good luck symbols although the Ace of Spades was not used as this represented death.

Even now some boat yards stay with known tradition.

When we had our boat repainted a few years ago I wanted a black Ace of Clubs on the slide. The painter said "You will have a red Ace of Clubs." On enquiring why I was told "black is bad luck, as long as this boat is in this yard it is mine, it is not yours until it goes back into the water."

 

If an "Ace" is painted on the slide there is a difference of opinion over which way it should "point."

 

 

 

Mine lies so as I look at it, its tail is towards the back of the boat.

 

Edited May 13, 2018 by Ray T

[Ken lennon]

Fascinating. There is more to this than you would imagine. Thank you Ray.

[Athy]

Yes, thanks Ray. I had never heard of the macabre meaning of the ace of spades; is that just amongst boat people, or more generally?

[mrsmelly]

2 minutes ago, Athy said:

Yes, thanks Ray. I had never heard of the macabre meaning of the ace of spades; is that just amongst boat people, or more generally?

General.

[zenataomm]

The Ace of Spades: How American soldiers used “the death card” as a psychological weapon during the Vietnam War

[mark99]

Once, when mooring a chap purporting to be an "ex working boater" said my chain on sliding rear hatch should rest on top of the hatch not dangle down as that was considered bad luck.

 

 

 

[LadyG]

5 minutes ago, mark99 said:

Once, when mooring a chap purporting to be an "ex working boater" said my chain on sliding rear hatch should rest on top of the hatch not dangle down as that was considered bad luck.

 

 

 

Bad luck if it rakes your scalp

[Ray T]

Ken , for further reading suggest you get hold of a couple of Tony Lewery's books:

 

Narrow Boat Painting ISBN 0 7153 678714

and

Flowers Afloat ISBN 0 7153 0145 4

[Ken lennon]

Fantastic!  My wife is on to it already. Much appreciated Ray.

[dave moore]

Tony’s output is well researched, representing a lifetimes obsession with the subject. If you are interested in the practical aspects of painting, I’m happy to chat and share information as a working signwriter and boat decorator in traditional styles.

Dave

[Ken lennon]

Thanks Dave. Books purchased for interest.