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A Rare Welsh Pitch Pine and Mahogany Model of an Award Winning Rowing Boat

Offered by: Wick Antiques LTD

Description
An Extraordinary Prize Winning Model of a Rowing Boat, Probably the Ambitious, by John Evans of Llandudno,
Exhibited at the Caernarfon National Eisteddfod of 1935 where it was awarded first prize. The stem stern thwarts and keelson all in mahogany, and the copper nailed planking in Pitch pine. Retaining two original leathered oars and anchor. All sat on a wooden stand and accompanied by its original exhibition label.
Provenance
Made by John Evans of Llandudno in 1935 and by descent

Exhibition History

Exhibited at the Caernarfon National Eisteddfod of 1935 in the Gwaith Llaw (Handicraft) section, numbered 239. The winning and second prize exhibits in this section were on view in Room C at the National School, Llanberis Road, Caernarvon.

This fine model has a label on its stand recording that it is the first prize winning exhibit from the Caernarfon National Eisteddfod of 1935 but no information relating to its maker or the name of the vessel is recorded. Thanks to the hard work of Caronwen Samuel at the National Library of Wales, however, this has now been revealed. Through a combination of cross-referencing the inscribed copy of the catalogue of the exhibition that the library holds, a microfiche relating to another part of the exhibition and research in the Welsh language newspapers, the full story of this fascinating piece can now be told. The Eisteddfod is one of the most important competitions in Wales, most famous perhaps to outsiders for its poetry recitals which garner international attention. However alongside the literary events, it was decided to introduce celebrations of arts and crafts competitions in various disciplines. In 1935, section 239, described on p.163 of the exhibition catalogue, was an award of £3 for the best ‘Model of a Rowing Boat, with Oars not less than 3ft long’. The adjudicator for this section was Mr Peter S Dickie, A.M.I.N.A, Bangor. The winner of this competition was John Evans of Llandudno and it must be the case, therefore, that he made the present model. The present piece and the second prize winning entry were both exhibited at the National School, Llanberis Road, Caernarvon, from 5th of August until the 10th of August 1935. Annotations in the library’s catalogue state ‘Ambitious, Viking (2)’. Mrs Samuel believes that these are the names of the two vessels exhibited, the winning model therefore being named Ambitious.

This outstanding model is testament to the quality of craftsmanship in Wales in 1935 and we are thrilled to be able to offer this piece to our clients.

John Evans of Llandudno

Thanks to Mrs Samuel’s initial research, we have been able to trace Mr Evans in the English language newspapers and build up a picture of this fascinating and highly talented man. He was born in 1861 and died, aged 101, in 1962. His obituary in the North Wales Weekly, 28th of December 1962, reads as follows:

‘LLANDUDNO CENTENARIAN Mr John Evans dies at 101

Llandudno’s only centenarian, Mr John Evans, of the Larches, Howard Road, died on Christmas Day. He was 101.

Noted for his beautifully constructed model yachts, Mr. Evans was by trade a joiner, and was also a keen sailor in his young days, being secretary of the original Llandudno Yacht Club in the late 19th century. His yachts were accurate in every detail.

In 1939 (sic) he won a prize at the National Eisteddfod for his model of a rowing boat.

Mr. Evans retired about 30 years ago and concentrated on his model yacht building until going blind 10 years ago. He kept fairly active until becoming bedridden in 1960.

In 1961 he was honoured by the Llandudno Sailing Club, who made him their first president. It was then stated that he was the only living member of the original yacht club.

His wife, Mrs. Alice Evans, died nearly 20 years ago, and of his six children, four survive him’.

Even more fascinating is an article, with accompanying photograph, from the same newspaper published on the 12th of July 1951 which reads as follows:

‘Veteran’s “little ships” are famous

At 89, Mr. John Evans, of “The Larches”, Howard Road, Llandudno, is still making model yachts. Some he has constructed during the past 70 years or so are in Australia and Canada: hundreds are owned by racing enthusiasts in Britain.

“I am proud of every boat I have made”, said Mr. Evans, retired joiner, to a Weekly News reporter. In November he will be 90 and his sight is beginning to fail. But this does not worry him. “I have had a good innings” he said.

In the London area, Mr. Evans’ boats are known as “Llandudno models” but Midlanders refer to them as “John Evans’ boats”. One of his creations-a rowing boat-gained first prize at the Caernarvon National Eisteddfod in 1935.

HOME “WORKSHOP”

Mr. Evans has tried to teach others to make these perfectly balanced miniature yachts which have gained premier prizes in Britain and abroad “but most of my ‘pupils’ have lost interest” he said. His workshop is a lean-to shed at the back of his home.

For about 20 years he made the successful 36 ins. Models at the rate of four a year and also turned out many smaller and more popular types. In recent years he has concentrated on streamlined “marblehead” models. 50 ins. long with 800 square inches of sail.

Native of Llandudno, Mr. Evans’ ancestors worked on the old copper mines on the Great Orme. When the mines closed down some went to sea. Mr. Evans, a widower since 1932, lives with one of his four daughters, Miss Alice Evans. He also has two sons’.

We would like to record our gratitude to Caronwen Samuel for all of her hard work and patience in researching this piece using the National Library of Wales’ collections.

Overall Height on stand 8 1/2 inches
Width 11 inches
Length 37 inches

More Information

Origin:	England
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Pine, Mahogany
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	1935
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	829167

Dimensions

W.	11 in;	H.	8.5 in;	D.	37 in;
W.	27.94 cm;	H.	21.59 cm;	D.	93.98 cm;

Message from Seller:

Wick Antiques, established by Charles Wallrock in the early 1980s, specializes in fine antiques with a reputation built on extensive knowledge and long-standing relationships, including with Harrods. Contact Charles at 44.159.067.7558 or via email at charles@wickantiques.co.uk for exceptional pieces curated by a team with expertise in Islamic, Japanese, and fine works of art.