Virginia Artist Herb Jones Personal Maritime Collection

Herb Jones (1923-1998 ) marine artist Herb Jones, a native of Norfolk, Virginia was known for his

Marine and wildlife artist
 Herb Jones

paintings that reflected his intense love of nature, geese in flight and the Back Bay of Virginia.

He sold over 500,000 of his limited edition prints during his lifetime. His works were selected for permanent collections in museums and exhibits throughout the world. Before his life's end, he received worldwide recognition as an artist, listing among 'Who's Who in American Art' and various international catalogs of artistic and intellectual notables.

Lionel US Navy Ship's Binnacle is part of
the Herb Jones Maritime Collection

Herb Jones was also an avid outdoorsmen, fisherman and hunter. The inspiration for his paintings was a direct reflection of the life that he lived and the places he visited.

An authentic 8-spoke brass ship's wheel.

The Herb Jones Maritime Collection is composed of vintage and antique nautical items that the artist owned for years in his Norfolk, Virginia residence and art studio. Here is a rare opportunity to own an item once cherished by this world-renowned artist!

An original egg tempera painting by Norfolk Virginia
artist Herb Jones titled "Backbay Blizzard".

We also just received two original paintings by Herb Jones. Here's the link: Herb Jones

Dealers of nautical antiques and collectibles, marine art, lamps, lighting, ship salvage and hardware, Skipjack sells quality nautical furniture and furnishings, marine instruments, model boats, nautical gifts and decor. Skipjack’s Marine Art Gallery features marine paintings, sculptures, ship models and folk art featuring mermaids, whales, fish and fowl.

Please visit our online store again soon or if in the Hampton Roads (Tidewater) coastal region of Virginia, visit our marine gallery in historic Olde Towne Portsmouth. We're just a short distance from Virginia Beach, Colonial Williamsburg and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and just across the river from downtown Norfolk. By boat, we're located at mile marker "0" of the Atlantic Intra-coastal Waterway!

Nautical Collection to Be Sold as Fundraiser for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

The Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery -- re-creations of the three vessels that brought America’s first permanent English colonists to Virginia in 1607 -- are the backbone of the Jamestown Settlement sailing program and have been designated “the official fleet of the Commonwealth” by the Virginia General Assembly. The donation of nautical items stipulated that proceeds would support the Jamestown Settlement sailing program. Private funding has an essential role in supporting the largely volunteer nature of this effort. Along with three paid staff members, up to 35 individuals volunteer 10,000 hours each year to maintain and sail these historic ships.

Exceptional quality "Husun" sextant made by “Henry Hughes & Son, Ltd.,
 59 Fenchurch Street, London E.C.”

Each year one of the three ships sails on a goodwill cruise to other ports to participate in commemorative and community events and host educational programs for students. Sailing program volunteer crew assists visitors and students in exploring the ships and learning about the 1607 voyage and 17th-century shipboard activities. For more information on Jamestown Settlement or the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, visit www.historyisfun.org.

Cased dry card compass by F.W. Lincoln, Jr., Boston, circa 1855.

Skipjack Nautical Wares is proud to be selected as this collection's marketing agent to raise funds for the Jamestown Settlement sailing program. There are 30 plus items in this collection ranging from ship models to early nautical navigational instruments. Also, please, donate generously to the Jamestown Settlement to help keep this important piece of our American history flourishing!

Highest quality commemorative/memorial bell, early to mid 20th century

Visit our web store at http://www.skipjackmarinegallery.com/ or go directly to the collection at Jamestown Yorktown Foundation Nautical Collection. 

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Skipjack Nautical Wares

& Marine Art Gallery

620 High Street Portsmouth, VA 23704  ~ 757-399-5012

www.SkipjackNauticalWares.com

Fort Norfolk from the Elizabeth River- Marine Painting by J Robert Burnell

A recent article written by Robert McCabe published in the Virginian Pilot reminded me of an original watercolor painting that we currently have on display at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Art Gallery. The article titled "Fort Norfolk got the first look at "rockets' red glare" traces the history of views from Fort Norfolk on June 22, 1813, during the Battle of Craney Island, when a force of about 700 American troops held off a two-pronged British assault by 3,000 to 4,000 men. Here's the link to the rockets red glare article from the Virginian Pilot.

The painting depicted here is by Portsmouth Virginia's renowned artist J. Robert Burnell titled "Fort Norfolk from the Elizabeth River" was painted in 1994, a tranquil scene with a boy sailing a dingy in the foreground and a three masted ship docked at the water's edge. The view features the fort on the left and a brick structed house in the center. The watercolor measures 18 X 30 inches (view) and 24 X 36 inches framed. Here are a few images (sorry, there's some glare in the image from the glass).  Here is the link to the painting of Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Art Gallery website.

Fort Norfolk from the Elizabeth River, an original watercolor by J. Robert Burnell.

Fort Norfolk is an historic fort and national historic district located at Norfolk, Virginia. With the original buildings having been built between 1795 and 1809, the fort encompasses 11 contributing buildings which include: main gate, guardhouse, officers' quarters, powder magazine, and carpenter's shop. Fort Norfolk is the last remaining fortification of President George Washington’s 18th Century harbor defenses. It has served as the district office for the U. S. Army Engineer District, Norfolk since 1923.

Close-up view of Fort Norfolk from the Elizabeth River.

Close-up view of the brick building and the moored frigate.

You can view our large collection of marine art on our web gallery at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Art Gallery. You can visit Skipjack's gallery located in historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia.

Skipjack Nautical Wares 

& Marine Art Gallery

620 High Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704

www.skipjacknauticalwares.com

757-399-5012

Visit our website for current gallery hours

The 25th Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race

October 13-19, 2014
 From Baltimore, Maryland, to Portsmouth, Virginia

Schooners underway at the beginning of the
Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race.

There are schooners here, there and just about everywhere participating in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race (GCBSR). The 25th annual race begins Thursday, October 16th on the south side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge near Annapolis, Maryland. The schooners race throughout the afternoon and night into the next day to their designated finish line. For classes A and AA, the finish is an east-west line at Thimble Shoal Light and classes B and C finish at Windmill Point. Then they proceed on to docking in Portsmouth, Virginia along the quaint historic seaport's basins and seawall.

Schooners rafted together at the High Street Landing at the end
of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. Photo by Joe Elder.

With 34 entries in this year's race represented from all around the Chesapeake Bay and as far away as Key West, Florida, they'll be schooners of all types and sizes for you to view. The schooners will be on view in Portsmouth's North and High Street Landings as well as along the Olde Towne riverfront. Some may be available at times for boarding and tours. Make sure to bring your camera along for this is surely a  great photographic opportunity.

A. J. Meerwald under sail during the
Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. Photo by Allen Graves.

Plan to spend the day and take in all that Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia has to offer. This is a great time to stroll along our historic High Street corridor and visit our exceptional antique shops, art galleries and unique specialty stores found in Olde Towne. Have a great lunch or dinner in one of our chef and family owned restaurants, sports bars and pubs...there's plenty to choose from and you'll definitely find one to your liking.

Figurehead of the Schooner "Lady Maryland." Photo by Joe Elder.

HISTORY
Schooner racing on the Chesapeake Bay is rooted in the trade rivalry between Baltimore, Maryland, at the northern end of the Bay, and Portsmouth/Norfolk, Virginia, at the southern end. The fastest sailing vessels delivered goods and people to their destinations and often garnered the best price for their cargo by beating slower schooners into port. Over the years, commercial schooner designs evolved for the bay's routes — taking into consideration shallow waters, local crops and regional needs, with speed being a primary concern to beat competitively loaded vessels into port. These schooners also played a critical role in our nation's early wars. While there are no cargo-hauling schooners now working the Bay, there are a considerable number of schooners still in use as cruising vessels and privately owned boats.

Schooners and rigging dominate the view at the High Street Landing,
 Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. Photo by Joe Elder.

In 1988, when the City of Baltimore launched her flagship modeled on those earlier vessels, Captain Lane Briggs of the Tugantine Norfolk Rebel — the world's only sail-powered schooner-rigged tugboat — challenged the Pride of Baltimore II to a race from Baltimore to Norfolk, reviving an historic rivalry between schooners, captains and cities on the Bay. With the challenge accepted, the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race (GCBSR) was born.

In 1990, a weekend in October was set aside for what had become an annual event, and yacht clubs at the northern and southern ends of the race volunteered to support the schooners and crews in their efforts.

"Mystic Whaler" sails into Baltimore before the race begins. Photo by Joe Elder.

Over the 25 years of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, there have been some incredible races with schooners going to the wire to win. Harsh weather conditions in some of the races have tested the mettle of the vessels, crews and captains. As many as 56 schooners have signed up for a single race, and more than 150 — with vessels from as far away as California - have enjoyed the fall race on the Bay. The 2007 race was the fastest race in this long series. With strong following winds, several schooners set new records for both elapsed and corrected time. The schooner Virginia set a new time to beat of 11 hours, 18 minutes and 53 seconds, beating the previous record of 12 hours, 57 minutes and 51 seconds set by Imagine...! in the 2005 GCBSR.

Sea Inspired Earthenware Creations by Kevin Collins

Kevin Collins holds one of his sea bowls.

Inspired by marine life that survive in the brackish habitats that exist along our Virginia shore, kevin Collins brings to life a unique collection of ceramic (porcelain) creations for your coastal home. The forms take on shapes of modeled bowls with oyster shells and barnicles and shell colored inner surfaces in shades of pink, coral, blues, greens and purples. Kevin's earthenware creations also take on the form of shell lamps, some actually starting with a piece of driftwood with small sea creatures added to the natural surface. His collection also includes shell-designed necklaces and earrings and even individual oyster shell and clumps of barnacles as refrigerator magnets. His designs are endless and we never know what Kevin will come up with next. These porcelain art pieces are functional   art oieces and perfect decor item for your beach and coastal home.

Sea-inspired coral colored ceramic bowl with barnacles.

Kevin's first experience in creating pottery was at the age of 12. He was offered a class in ceramics and discovered that he inspired to working and creating art with his hands. He also was interested in oceanography at a young age and fascinated with ocean marine life and the small sea creatures that lived along the waters edge and could be observed during the change of tides. Low tide exposed a variety of mullosks such as barnacles, oyster shells and welks and crustaceans that survived in our local waters with each ebb and flow and attached themselves to it's coastal surroundings. Kevin selects colors for his creations reminescent of the smooth interior of shells like conchs, oysters and giant clams.

Oyster shell lamp by Kevin Collins.

 Kevin's passion for marine ecology and his skill as a potter led to the design and production of his current ceramic and low-fired earthenware creations. Each sea bowl, lamp or piece of jewelry is within itself a study in marine life. His exceptional marine creations are unique, one of a kind, signed and dated by the artist.


A native of Hanover County, Virginia, Kevin has won numerous competitions and awards for his ceramic works of art. A selection of his ceramic creations were displayed in the front window of Tiffany's, New York. Custom pieces can be created for you and typically takes approximately six weeks to produce.

You can visit and see Kevin's coastal creations in person at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery located along Olde Towne Portsmouth Virginia's riverfront (next to the High Street Ferry Landing and basin).  Or on their webstore at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery or go directly to Kevin Collins page by following the link here; marine artist Kevin Collins.

Ceramic oyster magnet vy Kevin Collins.

Spectacular Battleship Size 48-Star American Flag

Massive 48 star US ensign laid out in front of Skipjack Nautical Wares.

It's a wonder what one might find digging around at local antiques and flea markets. And that is what we encountered this last Saturday at the Olde Towne Antiques to Flea Market here in Portsmouth, Virginia. Held the first Saturday of each month, the Olde Towne Portsmouth event is always full of interesting items, from the typical yard sale flea type finds to the most unexpected treasures. Last year, I discovered and purchased a Philadelphia windsor bowback side chair, branded with the name of the maker, John Letchworth (1759-1843). His shop was located on Third Street between Chestnut and Walnut (1784) and he actually made chairs for Thomas Jefferson and used at Monticello. More on this in a later blog.

A view above the flag. Magnificent!

This time we discovered an extremely large pile of wool bunting stuck in the corner of the vendors booth that appeared to be the colors and design of an American flag. Upon closer inspection, we knew it was more than that, it was a major find. I asked the owner what he knew about it. He responded by saying that they had just purchased it and it came out of a house accross the river in Norfolk, VA. The flag had been stored away for longer than the previous owner could remember, but recounted that it once was flown above a battleship during WWII. Unfortuately, he did not know the battleships name. This is not unusual. Other accounts of battleships decommissioned and deaccessed flags were sometimes removed in order to maintain secrecy.

I continued and asked him how large was the flag and the condition....obviously way to big to unfold and inspect in it's current location. He responded, "Well, it's about 20 feet by 30 feet or thereabouts and is definitely worn. To big for anyone to hang on their walls".
After not much consideration, Alison paid them for it and I hauled it out to our car. Damn heavy; that's a lot of flag to carry and a lot of history too!

Alison measures the  height of the flag.

Later that day, with the help of a few of our friends, we unmatted the pile of flag and stretch her out in front of our store. We reviewed the condition of our find- yes, definitely some rips and tears, typical of the damage inflicted on a ships flag due to weather and/or battle conditions. We found the flag makers tag sewn on to the heavy canvas heading. The tag stated:  "HIGH GRADE, REG. U.S. PAT. OFF., BUNTING, -ALL WOOL-, THE BEST SINCE 1847'. This was the label used on U.S. government and military flags made by Annin & Company, New York, a major producer of high quality flags and the maker of this one as well. The massive 48-Star US national ensign flag, measured  20' x 38' in size and according to the presidents standardized sizing for flags created in 1912, this is flag size #1, the largest of US ensigns produced. Annin & Co. named this size flag "ABRUS".

The sewn on tag by Annin & Co., New York.

Folding up the flag for safe storage.

A 1926 advertisement fot Annin & Co., New York.

USS Iowa commissioning ceremony. The flag is similar to the one in this blog.

This flag was a great discovery and I would rank it up there with some of our greatest we've uncovered to date. Not so much as a valuable item, monetarily wise, but such a major symbol of our nation, potentially flown during major naval battles and rising above all others as the symbol of freedom that so many have laid down their lives defending it. Semper Fi!

Here is the link on Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Galleries page on our webstore. We will also consider donating it to the right foundation or museum if the right opportunity arrives.  We have also included here a link to the Zaricor flag collection, a national treasure presentation of American ensigns, jacks, flags  & pennants.

A Commemorative Look at Schooners- the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race

America 2.0 at the beginning of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, 2011.
Photo by Joe Elder aboard the Schooner Spirit of Independence.

     Olde Towne Portsmouth once again hosted the finale of the 23rd Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race  from Baltimore Mayland with 37 participating schooners. Here is a photographic study of these exceptional sailing vessels docked along Olde Towne's waterside. Enjoy!

An 18th century cannon stands sentinal  in front of the schooner "Mystic Whaler"
docked along side the High Street basin. Photo by Joe Elder.

HISTORY

Schooner "Adventurer" figurehead.
Photo by Joe Elder.

Schooner racing on the Chesapeake Bay is rooted in the trade rivalry between Baltimore, Maryland, at the northern end of the Bay, and Portsmouth/Norfolk, Virginia, at the southern end. The fastest sailing vessels delivered goods and people to their destinations and often garnered the best price for their cargo by beating slower schooners into port. Over the years, commercial schooner designs evolved for the bay's routes — taking into consideration shallow waters, local crops and regional needs, with speed being a primary concern to beat competitively loaded vessels into port. These schooners also played a critical role in our nation's early wars. While there are no cargo-hauling schooners now working the Bay, there are a considerable number of schooners still in use as cruising vessels and privately owned boats.

Wheel  from the schooner
"Liberty Clipper".
Photo by Joe Elder

In 1988, when the City of Baltimore launched her flagship modeled on those earlier vessels, Captain Lane Briggs of the TugantineNorfolk Rebel — the world's only sail-powered schooner-rigged tugboat — challenged the Pride of Baltimore II to a race from Baltimore to Norfolk, reviving an historic rivalry between schooners, captains and cities on the Bay. With the challenge accepted, the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race (GCBSR) was born.

In 1990, a weekend in October was set aside for what had become an annual event, and yacht clubs at the northern and southern ends of the race volunteered to support the schooners and crews in their efforts.

Schooners  at the High Street basin, Olde Towne Portsmouth. Photo by Joe Elder.

Bowsprit of the "Liberty Clipper".
Photo by Joe Elder.

Over the 21 years of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, there have been some incredible races with schooners going to the wire to win. Harsh weather conditions in some of the races have tested the mettle of the vessels, crews and captains. As many as 56 schooners have signed up for a single race, and more than 150 — with vessels from as far away as California - have enjoyed the fall race on the Bay. The 2007 race was the fastest race in this long series. With strong following winds, several schooners set new records for both elapsed and corrected time. The schooner Virginia set a new time to beat of 11 hours, 18 minutes and 53 seconds, beating the previous record of 12 hours, 57 minutes and 51 seconds set by Imagine...! in the 2005 GCBSR.

Skylight binnacle and wheel  from the schooner "Adventurer".  Photo by Joe Elder.

Belaying pins. Photo by Joe Elder.

With the growth of the event and the resulting focus on these vintage sailing craft, the organizers and sponsors elected soon after the start of the event to maximize the value of the race in very special ways. The race brings focus to the maritime traditions of schooners on the Chesapeake and brings attention to the environmental issues facing the Chesapeake. All net proceeds of the race are donated to support youth education efforts aimed at saving the bay. This is why the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race is proud to say that we are "Racing to Save the Bay!"  History taken from the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race website.

Carved and gilded figurehead  of the schooner "Lady Maryland". Photo by Joe Elder.

Port light. Photo by Joe Elder.

Line wrapped around a belaying pin. Photo by Joe Elder.

Hawse pipe and  line. Photo by Joe Elder.

Schooner "Virginia" flies the  American flag from her stern. Photo by Joe Elder..

Deck view of the "Pride of Baltimore II". Photo by Joe Elder.

Ships bell of the schooner "Lady Maryland". Photo by Joe Elder.

Wheel of the tugantine "Norfolk Rebel".  Photo by Joe Elder.

Bow of the "Pride of Baltimore II". Photo by Joe Elder.

Skipjack Nautical Wares storefront is fronted by the bowsprit of the "Mystic Whaler."
Photo by Joe Elder.

Thank you to all of the participants and volunteers that make this such a memorable event. We hope to see you all again next year and until then, calm seas and following winds. From the staff at Skipjack Nautical Wares and all of us from Olde Towne  Portsmouth. Cheers!

Celebrating OpSail 2012 Virginia at Skipjack Nautical Wares

On the horizon lies a historic American milestone, an extraordinary occasion for the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, planned together with the spectacle of OpSail 2012. OpSail 2012 Virginia is collaboration between Operation Sail Inc. (OpSail) national, the United States Navy, Norfolk Festevents and the 36th Annual AT&T Harborfest events, and hundreds of national, state and local organizations.

From June 1 -12, 2012, the Port of Virginia will once again host an impressive fleet of tall ships, navy and military war ships representing the world. OpSail 2012 Virginia  and Harborfest is planned to illuminate the community with spectacle and festivity, and will place our Commonwealth front and center on the world stage.

Tall ship 'KALMAR NYCKEL'  will be participating in OpSail 2012 and along  the
Portsmouth, Virginia waterfront.  Photo by Joe Elder.

This will truly be a memorable maritime event, with exciting activities taking place throughout the region.  OpSail 2012 Virginia is a $65 million production, projected to have an attendance of 1.5 million people during the 12 days. In addition, 4000 U.S. and foreign officers, cadets, crew and diplomats will be in town. Though the largest concentration of the ships will be available for boarding along  the Norfolk waterfront,  the City of Portsmouth will host the tall ship 'GAZELA' located next to the High Street Landing and  in front of Skipjack Nautical Wares as well as the tall ships "HMS BOUNTY' and 'KALMAR NYCKEL' just a short walk down the seawall at Ocean Marine. Also, the USCG Cutter, the 'WILLIAM TATE' will docked along the seawall near the High Street Landing.

The tall ship 'GAZELA' will be next to the High Street landing and in front of
Skipjack Nautical Wares during OpSail 2012. Photo by Joe Elder.

Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery will be presenting their annual Marine Folk Art show concurrently with OpSail 2012 Virginia, opening Thursday, May 31st, 2012 and running throughout the month of June. This years show is titled "Don't Give Up the Ship"  in celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Original 19th century folk painting  of "the Battle of Lake Erie" is part of Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Galleries  annual folk art show titled "DON''T GIVE UP THE SHIP" celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012 Virginia. Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is located on Portsmouth, Virginia's waterfront next to the High Street Landing. Photo by Joe Elder.

Folk carvings by Jac & Patricia Johnson  will be on
display during  "Don't Give Up the Ship" folk art show
celebrating the Bicentennial of  the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012.
Photo by Joe Elder.

Some of Skipjack's associate artists will be on hand, Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 to demonstrate different maritime skills, such as scrimshaw carving, knot-tieing, wood carving and other sailor and folk art skills.

OpSail 2012 Virginia is the perfect opportunity to visit Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery where you'll discover one of the finest collections of marine artwork, nautical antiques and decor, Chelsea marine clocks, authentic ship salvage, nautical lamps, lighting and furnishings, marine instruments as well as our own Skipjack Nautical Wears yachting apparel and jewelry. Skipjack is also the best place for nautical gifts too!

The tall ship 'KALMAR NYCKEL' during the parade of sail. Photo by Joe Elder.

For a listing of OpSail 2012 Virginia events to be held along Portmouth's downtown/Olde Towne seaboard, go to  http://www.opsail2012virginia.com/events-schedule/portsmouth .  For information about OpSail 2012 Virginia, go to http://www.opsail2012virginia.com/.

Skipjack nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is an Official OpSail 2012 Virginia Certified Business.  http://www.skipjacknauticalwares.com.