Exceptional Documentary Sailing Ship Diorama

Depicting the Bramley Moore in Full Sail
Hand Carved and Painted Wood and Various Media
English, c.1860

22" high x 43.75" wide x 5" deep (framed)

The Bramley Moore was an 882-ton, full-rigged ship built in Canada around 1856. Acquired by Captain W. H. Owen of Plas Penrhyn, Dwyran, Anglesey and commanded by Captain Robert Williams,  the vessel played a role in Liverpool's thriving maritime trade, notably transporting guano from South America-a vital commodity for agriculture in the 19th century.

This diorama is accompanied by a rare photograph of Captain Robert Williams and his maritime papers. Among these is an extraordinary record noting the birth of his son, Robert John Williams, on board the Bramley Moore in 1863-offering a deeply personal glimpse into family life at sea. Also included is a Certificate of Competency awarded to Robert John Williams in 1892, marking his achievement as a First Class Engineer, and highlighting the continuation of a proud maritime tradition across generations.
The ship's story came to an end in September 1864, when the Bramley Moore was wrecked on the English Bank in the River Plate, off the coast of South America. Although little is known about Captain Williams's later life, his connection to the vessel reflects the dedication and hardship of mariners who powered global trade during the Victorian era.
While no photographs of the Bramley Moore are known to exist, an evocative oil painting-artist unknown-captures its likeness. This artwork is preserved at the Caernarfon Record Office and can be viewed online through People's Collection Wales.

A rare large scale and wonderfully detailed naive ship model, presented in the original shadowbox frame, within a well executed naive seascape. The model is in excellent original condition, retaining the original rigging and with little evidence of losses or damage. There is a shrinkage split to the backboard and some discolouration and staining to the paintwork, some natural fading and evidence of age all commensurate with the medium. It is unusual to have such a personalised and documented narrative accompanying a folk art diorama of this type, which lends a unique historical context. 

Ref: 11675