Handmade Bellropes and Lanyards- A Sailor's Art

Schooner Virginia ship's bell with lanyard. Photo by Diane Murphy.

The bellrope, also refered to as a bell pull or bell lanyard is a piece of fancy work attached to the clanger of a ship's bell. It is a necessary accoutrement to the ship's bell, both for function as a way to ring the bell as well as ornamentation as a symbol of pride.

According to Vince Brennan of Frayed Knot Artworks, the ship’s bell is considered the 'heart' of a ship. Ship's bells are almost mystical objects, especially for as superstitious a lot as are sailors. They are polished before all other items and are the last thing to be removed when a ship is decommissioned or scrapped. US Navy vessels have their names engraved on their bells and when a ship is struck from the list, the last Commanding Officer usually receives the bell for safekeeping.

Bell lanyard made by Vince Brennan for the Zuni Maritime Foundation. Photo by Joe Elder

For information about 12 inch ship's bell bellrope or lanyard by Vince Brennan (pictured above) follow this link to this item at Skipjack Nautical Wares Nautical Hardware.

The bell-rope is a symbol of the Pride in the ship taken by the crew... battleships and other major vessels will usually have the fanciest bell-ropes, often the product of several hundred hours of labor by one or more expert knotters. The more detail and embellishments, the more respect it engenders.

Exceptional bell lanyard by Marty Combs.

Crafting fancy rope knot work such as  bell lanyards was mastered by sailors during the height of sea trade in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. For long extended times, sometimes years, a sailor was at sea.

 On whaling expeditions, little of that time in comparison was actual whaling work and sometimes months would pass between sightings. Sailors had hours upon end of idle time and some chose to create trinkets and art. Examples of sailor’s art work are: scrimshawed whale’s teeth and bone, fancy rope knot work, wood and ivory carvings such as whimsies, cane heads, pie crimpers, pipe tampers, fids (made for splicing rope) swifts (yarn winders), corset busks and many more interesting and beautiful pieces.

Handmade fancy knotwork bellrope or lanyard by Joe McNelis.

For information about handmade fancy knotwork bellrope or lanyard by Joe McNelis, follow this link to the item  at Skipjack Nautical Wares Nautical Hardware.

Whether you desire to dress up your ship's bell on the finely fitted yacht or simply a bell hanging by your door, handcrafted bell lanyards are symbolic as a part of maritime tradition and pride.

 Visit Skipjack Nautical Wares Nautical Hardware for our current selection of handmade fancy knotwork bell lanyards available today for your ship's bell.

New Marine Paintings by J. Robert Burnell- Exhibit Runs Through Saturday, January 22, 2011

"Winona Morning" watercolor on paper by J. Robert Burnell

Final Week of the J. Robert Burnell Marine Art Exhibit. 

Show ends Saturday, January 22, 2011.

Portsmouth marine artist J. Robert Burnell grew up around the water in a family of watermen, and sailing his own boat since he was ten years old. He has sailed on nearly every type of workboat on the Chesapeake Bay. It's no wonder that Burnell's love of the water reflects so naturally in his nautical themed paintings.

You won't have to go far to see one of the largest collections of Burnell's marine art all in one exhibit. Over 20 new acrylic and watercolor paintings by J. Robert Burnell will be on display and for sale in the 'foyer gallery' at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery at One High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth. You will also be able to preview some of  his nautical artwork on our web gallery at Skipjack's Marine Art Gallery throughout the event. Just click on the words printed above in red.

The exhibit opened Friday, December 3, 2010 as part of Olde Towne Portsmouth Virginia's monthly 'First Friday' event. The exhibit runs through Saturday, January 22, 2011.

"Headin Home" acrylic on canvas by J. Robert Burnell

Award-winning artist J. Robert Burnell is recognized for his vivid depictions of life on and around the Chesapeake Bay. The subject is his favorite - each piece open and honest, providing a unique understanding of its mood and people.

One of the keys to Burnell's success on the canvas is the work he does outside the studio. Burnell believes in details. They are a reflection of his work. He has amassed a library of thousands of slides and photographs of work boats to which he constantly refers to for accuracy of detail.

Among his favorite subjects are the working boats and marine scenes of New England and the Maritime Provinces of Canada. He is equally conscientious of historical correctness, researching every object’s time, place and use. Each piece open and honest, providing a unique understanding of its mood and people.

About the Artist - J. Robert Burnell

"Evening Tide" watercolor on paper by J. Robert Burnell

Burnell began studies in architecture at Georgia Institute of Technology, studied printmaking at Old Dominion University, and participated in independent studies with John Pike, Edgar Whitney, Ed Betts, Don Stone, Rex Brandt, Robert Bateman and George Post.

From 1972 to 2002, Burnell was an instructor of watercolor painting at Tidewater Community College in Portsmouth, and has led summer workshops in watercolor and acrylic painting for over 30 years. He is a member of the American Society of Marine Artists and is listed in Archibald’s Dictionary of Sea Painters.

During his career, J. Robert Burnell has won numerous art awards including eight “Best in Show.” He has been honored with solo museum exhibitions at The Courthouse Galleries in Portsmouth and the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum, and group shows at the Rawls Museum Arts and Virginia Lifesaving Museum.

In addition to museum shows, Burnell had annual solo exhibitions at Atlantic Gallery in Washington D.C. during its operation. Other gallery exhibitions of his work have been offered by River Gallery in Chesapeake, VA., Cudahy’s Gallery in Richmond, VA., Turtle Creek Gallery in Dallas, TX., and Vincent Hester Gallery in Portsmouth, VA,. His work is also shown in the Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT., and Skipjack Marine Gallery in Portsmouth, VA.

His work is included in several museum and major corporate collections. Among them are the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, Old Ebbitt Grill (Clyde’s Restaurants, Inc.), Branch Bank & Trust, Inc., Towne Bank, Bank of America, Inc., Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Nature Conservancy of Virginia, Bons Secours Health Systems, Inc. and Leesylvania State Park.

He was selected to create the signature painting for OpSail 2000, for the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race in 2002, and three times for Norfolk’s Harborfest. Additionally, his work was selected for exhibition in the 2007 Mystic International at the Maritime Gallery of Mystic Seaport Museum.

When Robert Burnell is not painting boats, he continues to maintain and sail one of his own. You just might see him out on the Elizabeth River.

Happy New Years!

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

~Mark Twain~

Happy New Years from us old salts

at Skipjack!

Nautical Dog Collars at Skipjack

Our dog Chance models a nautical signal flag dog collar.

 Dress up your salty dog with Skipjack's nautical pet collars, leashes and harnesses featuring a great selection of colorful nautical-themed ribbon designs on durable nylon webbing for comfort and easy care. Nautical dog collars at Skipjack.

Our selection of nautical dog collars at Skipjack

Collars feature Delrin Acetal side release buckles for ease of fastening and separating and solid nickel plated “D” rings for strength, are available in three widths and are all easily adjusted for length. Our matching leashes feature strong nickel-plated swivel snaps. All of Skipjack's nylon webbing products are easy to clean and perfect for the boating and coastal lifestyle. Just wash with mild detergent (not bleach), rinse well and hang to dry. Perfect for your nautical dog and cat too! Produced in Massachusetts, USA.
 

Click here for nautical dog collars at Skipjack.

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Solid Brass Ship's Bell from Skipjack

Looking for a high quality great sounding bell at an affordable price? Skipjack's 7 inch diameter solid brass ship's bell is truly one of the finest on the market. These cast brass bells are polished to a mirror finish and produce a rich and long lasting tone when struck- truly the finest ring tone for a bell in this price range- perfect for your boat, coastal home and office.

Skipjack's yacht bell- the finest nautical brass ship's bell on the market.

In our book a bell is all about the sound that it makes when struck. We've carried hundreds of bells through the years; both old and new and this particular bell rates with the best. A great bell creates a high quality, long lasting tone when struck, similar to a fine musical instrument. The majority of  bells on the market today looks great, but sounds like a child's toy or even as bad as an inverted can. Be choosy about what you adorn on your boat or home. This is it! Ship's bell at Skipjack.

 Skipjack's yacht bell comes with a cast brass bulkhead or wall bracket that allows the bell to be easily mounted for use and lifted to remove and stow away. Measures 7" wide and 4 1/2 inches tall and weighs 3.4 pounds. The bell is perfect for yachts up to 12 meters- (39.4 feet in total length- Vessels over 12 meters requires a larger bell)

You can also dress it up with one of Skipjacks hand-tied fancy ropework bell lanyards- perfect for the finely fitted yacht and nautical home.

9" X 12" high gloss mahogany plaque shown with Skipjack's 7' ship's bell and fancy ropework lanyard.

Our high gloss mahogany plaque is perfect for mounting our 7" ship's bell for military retirement gifts and other special occasions. It measures 9" X 12" and comes with an engraveable brass plate. Engraving services are available for an additional $10.00. Mahogany awards and presentation plaque.

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New Marine Paintings by J. Robert Burnell: Exhibit Opens December 3, 2010 at Skipjack

"Winona Morning" watercolor on paper by J. Robert Burnell

Portsmouth artist J. Robert Burnell grew up around the water in a family of watermen, and sailing his own boat since he was ten years old. He has sailed on nearly every type of workboat on the Chesapeake Bay. It's no wonder that Burnell's love of the water reflects so naturally in his marine paintings.

You won't have to go far to see one of the largest collections of Burnell's marine art all in one exhibit. Over 20 new acrylic and watercolor paintings by J. Robert Burnell will be on display and for sale in the 'foyer gallery' at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery at One High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth. You will also be able to preview his nautical artwork on Skipjack's web gallery in conjunction with the show opening.

The exhibit opens Friday, December 3, 2010 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during Olde Towne Portsmouth Virginia's monthly 'First Friday' event. The exhibit runs through January 25, 2011.

"Headin Home" acrylic on canvas by J. Robert Burnell

Award-winning artist J. Robert Burnell is recognized for his vivid depictions of life on and around the Chesapeake Bay. The subject is his favorite - each piece open and honest, providing a unique understanding of its mood and people.

One of the keys to Burnell's sucess on the canvas is the work he does outside the studio. Burnell believes in details. They are a reflection of his work. He has amassed a library of thousands of slides and photographs of work boats to which he constantly refers to for accuracy of detail.

Among his favorite subjects are the working boats and marine scenes of New England and the Maritime Provinces of Canada. He is equally conscientious of historical correctness, researching every object’s time, place and use. Each piece open and honest, providing a unique understanding of its mood and people.

About the Artist - J. Robert Burnell

"Evening Tide" watercolor on paper by J. Robert Burnell

Burnell began studies in architecture at Georgia Institute of Technology, studied printmaking at Old Dominion University, and participated in independent studies with John Pike, Edgar Whitney, Ed Betts, Don Stone, Rex Brandt, Robert Bateman and George Post.

From 1972 to 2002, Burnell was an instructor of watercolor painting at Tidewater Community College in Portsmouth, and has led summer workshops in watercolor and acrylic painting for over 30 years. He is a member of the American Society of Marine Artists and is listed in Archibald’s Dictionary of Sea Painters.

During his career, J. Robert Burnell has won numerous art awards including eight “Best in Show.” He has been honored with solo museum exhibitions at The Courthouse Galleries in Portsmouth and the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum, and group shows at the Rawls Museum Arts and Virginia Lifesaving Museum.

In addition to museum shows, Burnell had annual solo exhibitions at Atlantic Gallery in Washington D.C. during its operation. Other gallery exhibitions of his work have been offered by River Gallery in Chesapeake, VA., Cudahy’s Gallery in Richmond, VA., Turtle Creek Gallery in Dallas, TX., and Vincent Hester Gallery in Portsmouth, VA,. His work is also shown in the Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT., and Skipjack Marine Gallery in Portsmouth, VA.

His work is included in several museum and major corporate collections. Among them are the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, Old Ebbitt Grill (Clyde’s Restaurants, Inc.), Branch Bank & Trust, Inc., Towne Bank, Bank of America, Inc., Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Nature Conservancy of Virginia, Bons Secours Health Systems, Inc. and Leesylvania State Park.

He was selected to create the signature painting for OpSail 2000, for the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race in 2002, and three times for Norfolk’s Harborfest. Additionally, his work was selected for exhibition in the 2007 Mystic International at the Maritime Gallery of Mystic Seaport Museum.

When Robert Burnell is not painting boats, he continues to maintain and sail one of his own. You just might see him out on the Elizabeth River.

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Nautical Jewelry- Sail Away With Classic Designs From Skipjack

NEW Sea pendants by Patty Anderson

Set sail in style with Skipjack's collection of nautical and beach inspired jewelry- perfect for everyday wear and your passion for nautical/coastal living.
You'll adore our selection of woman's elegantly crafted nautical-themed jewelry including sterling silver sailboat necklaces and earrings by Barbara Vincent and distinctively coastal and beach designed creations by Patty Anderson and Betty Burnell. You can see our total nautical jewelry collection on our web gallery at Skipjack Nautical Wares. 

Pictured above: NEW pewter beach jewelry "sea pendants" by Patty Anderson. Comes with silk  ribbon. Pendants measure 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches. $28.00

"Something Fishy" a custom made necklace with matching earrings by Betty Burnell

Sterling silver chain, betelnut beads, Hill Tribe silver fish. "Something Fishy" is an original beach creation by Betty Burnell from her Coastal Collection. Necklace with matching earrings. $165.00 with free shipping!

Silver sand dollar earrings by Patty Anderson

Delicate but beautiful replicas of a treasure from the beach by Patty Anderson. These sand dollar earrings  compliment any beach-inspired apparel and also matches Patty Anderson's exquisite sand dollar belt. $36.00.

Sea life charm bracelet from Barbara Vincent.

The Sea Life sterling silver charm bracelet with nine under-the-sea sterling silver charms. From the Barbara Vincent Collection $120.00 and free shipping.

Sterling silver schooner pendant by Barbara Vincent

 The sterling silver Schooner pendant. The Schooner is all dressed up under full sail and is polished to a mirror finish. A perfect item to dress up your wardrobe. Available with sterling silver snake chain in varying lengths and matching sterling silver earrings. $44.00

Rope sterling silver  earrings by Barbara Vincent

Sterling silver hoop earrings with a nautical rope design from the Barbara Vincent Collection. Polished to a mirror finish.

Sterling silver sheepshank earrings by Betty Burnell

 Seriously seaworthy nautical jewelry! Sterling silver sheepshank earrings by Betty Burnell. $90.00

"HOPE" sterling silver nautical sailboat pendant by Barbara Vincent.

"Hope" nautical pendant rendered in sterling silver from the Barbara Vincent Collection. Polished to a mirror finish. Available with sterling silver snake chain in lengths from 16" to 24". Pendant is $44.00.