‘HMS Clarkson’ under construction

Lanterns built in the form of ships were the earliest recorded type of lantern (mentioned in a Sierra Leonean newspaper report in 1895). This photograph shows a ship lantern ‘HMS Clarkson’ nearing completion. It was named after John Clarkson, the first Governor of the newly established settlement of Freetown in 1792 and was built by King Tom Lantern Club.

The King Tom area of Freetown was famed for its ship lanterns which were built by experienced carpenters who in the past were connected with the British naval dockyard which was located in King Tom in colonial times. The lanterns needed strong frames because of their size and because they carried club members who dressed and behaved as the crew, acting out appropriate roles. The lanterns were covered with intricately cut paperwork designs and often decorated with flags and bunting.