On Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:07:12 -0600, cavelamb
wrote:

Bruce In Bangkok wrote:
On Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:27:25 -0600, cavelamb
wrote:

Every time wrote:
My question might be too estoteric for this group, but thought I'd
give it a try anyway.

I am trying to think of the term used to describe the ornate sterns of
ships such as the HMS Victory, with the windows and the gold
scrollwork, etc. It's on the tip of my tongue - I used to know what it
was called - but it just won't come to me.

Not fretwork, or cottagework, or Tudorwork, but something along those
lines.

Any help appreciated.

I've heard it referred to as brightwork?

I think that "brightwork" usually refers to varnished or gilded trim.
Perhaps "coachwork", but it is a guess.

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)


I think I picked that up from Patrick O'Brien.
The gilded part is the trick he was referring to.

Paint, in the olden days, wasn't used all that much.
Mostly for trim coloring, ala the Nelson Checker (black and white) with the
occasional blue or yellow. Red wasn't really available.

And varnish? Never heard of.
Lacquer, yes, but seldom on ships.


Richard

Red not available? Red is one of the more common colors available to
primitive people. Iron oxide in one form or another. Barn paint was
ferrous oxide or even red laterite, lime and sour milk. However this
was hardly a bright, vibrant red :-)

Varnishes were available and used to protect paintings since at least
the 1400's and consisted of natural resins. But unlikely to have been
used aboard ship, other then perhaps the captains personal
furnishings.

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)