Sinking ship - Model of HMS Lively

Model of HMS Lively

 This ship’s model is very unusual as it shows a ship sinking.  The case is beautifully made of teak and inlaid in geometric patterns with teak, sycamore and ebony.  We think it was made locally in Stornoway possibly by a ships carpenter from timber salvaged from the wreck.  Certainly contemporary images of the ship show her in this position and the maker had either seen the wreck or an illustration.

 HMS Lively was an Admiralty vessel built in 1870, she weighed 1000 tons and was equipped with a 250HP steam engine and paddle wheels as well as sails.

The Admiralty had provided HMS Lively for use by the Royal (Napier) commission, then just established to enquire into the condition of crofting and cottar population of the Highlands and Islands.  On the 7^th June 1883 as she was making her way into Stornoway harbour she struck the unmarked hazard known locally as Chicken Rock.  Her stern sank leaving her bows high out of the water.

The bow section was towed into harbour and broken up.  Sections of her decking were used to build the staircase in a local house.  The incident was widely reported at the time and there was a court-martial held into the incident on 28^th June 1883.

The model was purchased by Museum nan Eilean in 2000 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.

When the Museum acquired the model it was in poor condition, covered in dust, broken rigging, a pane of glass missing and the varnish badly stripped.  The model was conserved and the case restored to its original shellac finish. 

The model will feature in Fonn’s Dulchas Highland Year of Culture exhibition opening in Inverness on the 12th Jan 2007. If anyone has any further information regarding the model please contact Mark Elliott at Museum nan Eilean Stornoway on 01851709266 or email mailto:melliot@cne-siar.gov.uk