The model workshop
Found throughout the permanent exhibition, the models are an important part of the heritage of the Musée de la Pêche in Concarneau, whose history and conception fascinate many visitors each year.
The beginnings of the museum
Since the creation of the museum, models have been a part of the public display. They are donated by the creators or on loan for a season. Sometimes, the museum orders a model for a certain specific need.
Côte d’Emeraude, maquette de goélette terre-neuva (1964) by J-C QuinquisMusée de la Pêche
Emerald Coast, model of Newfoundland schooner.
Model creation and workshop
In 1975, the new curator, Hervé Gloux, created models for the museum from his home, while still ordering some externally. After the refurbishment of the public spaces in 1977, he created a workshop for naval models within the museum.
Diorama du chantier naval Krebs (1989) by Joël BarzicMusée de la Pêche
A number of model makers work together or separately on educational models and dioramas.
Model makers spend hours researching old plans when they exist, or drawing these plans. Each model needs between 500 and 1,000 hours of work.
The pinnacle of the model workshop
In the years 2000 and 2010, the model makers were solicited by external naval sites and the workshop began building models of ships built in Concarneau, for their shipowners.
Sardinier Fou de Bassan, 1890-1905 (1980) by L. LevasseurMusée de la Pêche
Present day
This workshop is now used for the upkeep of the models that are part of the museum collection. The models displayed show the evolution of rigging, boat shape, and size.
Seestern, maquette de bateau (1960)Musée de la Pêche
The scale is generally 1:33, which allows different ships to be compared while still having a minimum of detail. Each model can include fishing equipment, lockers, lines, and nets.
The author enjoyed creating this tiny model of less than 2 inches (5 cm), which included the use of cat hair.
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