The Mauretania Pilaster - Restored and Displayed
By Eric K. Longo
I am pleased to announce that the pilaster from the First Class Lounge of the Mauretania (1904-1936) I mentioned a while back is fully restored and nearing its display date at the Segendum Museum at Wallsend. The site is perhaps 1200 feet from the location of the Mauretania’s launch cradle. This new museum is just north of the former platers' shed, the frame turners' shop and the timber shed at the old Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson Yards. More information about this museum and display will follow – this post will focus on the pilaster. I am also supplying an evocative candid of the Lounge for this pilaster display as well as a really dynamic photo taken from a tug under her stern, tied to her, at about 2:05 p.m. on October 22nd, 1907.
It was a little over a year ago that I was contacted by a friend to authenticate this rather large section African mahogany. I certainly did due diligence, and in depth, but it was obvious to me it was indeed genuine just from looking at as I recognized it - short line of solid provenance aside. I have been asked to examine carved wood and plaster capitals said to be from her before, but few, if any, such instances have yielded genuine finds beyond the odd treen and unusual scrap items.
I then spent time researching the origins of this pilaster, evaluating its condition, the symbolism so carefully carved and the techniques used to create this fine gilt decorated pilaster. The story about Palestinian carvers being brought in is just that - a story. I also detailed its interesting history once removed from the ship. Then I set about finding a good home for it. It was very important to the owner (and me) that the pilaster not be cut up and resold, but that it be restored and displayed for the public f possible. The materials below are just a part of the result of this research. We were very lucky to have found the ideal home - and so very near the original location where it was carved over a century ago.
I am not prepared to discuss provenance in detail at this time as the previous owner wishes anonymity. I can say it was intended for Bristol and was never far away from that location. Furthermore, it was never installed in what is now the Java, and it was not part of the Great Tew Estate Sale. I provided three detailed photographs to show you some of the superb craftsmanship and quality of this piece before restoration. It is interesting to compare these photographs with the wood now it the Java. More photographs, as well as additional information regarding the museum's function, history and the display opening will be posted.
From my research: “...the pilaster has the gold skirting, carved fluted pilaster and the golden double ram’s head capital atop. Found near the sets of double doors which led out of the Lounge, these pilasters framed the adjacent sitting and writing rooms as well. They were also employed in each alcove and on the corners of the aft bulkhead alongside the statues of Columbia and Britannia.
Having never been altered, painted or re-installed since 1936, this example retains its original finish. Portions of the reverse have the typical dark grey graphite-based coating intended to reduce friction and noise between these large joined sections at sea. On the reverse and in hidden areas are some characters and markings from its original carving, installation or possibly from its reassembly for resale by The Mauretania Syndicate. The pilaster is in "fine" condition on the whole and has the wear and marks expected from 27 years of service and subsequent storage.
The skirting is of carved mahogany molding decorated with gold paint and detailed with the Roman crossed ribbon motif which appeared repeatedly in the ship’s decor. Two of the three sections of skirting remain attached to the pilaster, slightly loose, with the third segment requiring a minor glue repair. There is a small rectangular notch beneath the front left crossed ribbon on the skirting which reveals a small bit of original hardware. The tiny insert intended to conceal this is present and slips right back into place. There may be other concealed hardware inserts.
The fluted mahogany pilaster above the skirting, with its hand-carved gilt motif of stylized acanthus flowers, is beautifully intact and exemplifies the superior craftsmanship this ship is known for. It is not surprising to find the ancient technique of carving both wider and thicker at the bottom with a gentle taper toward the capital to subtly enhance the perceived height. The pilaster has four small equidistant holes running up each side from the original installation hardware.
The golden capital atop is of the stylized Scamozzi design typical of the First Class Lounge. The double ram’s heads denote strength and nobility with the spiral horns serving as volutes. The capital is adorned with a central medallion of Britannia wearing a stylized Corinthian helmet establishing maritime dominance. The portrait is surrounded by triumphal English laurel foliage and fruit; it is further decorated with ornate ribbons and a globe.
Missing are some of the smaller, more fragile elements of the capital, and the body of the capital is cracked in half just right of the medallion (a clean, break easily repaired). The lost bits include the swag suspended between the two intricate rams and approximately three fourths of the two rams' fur "pendants" which hung from horn to horn on each of the ram’s heads. A small portion, perhaps half of one ram’s fur “pendant,” remains on the left. If desired, the missing elements can be recreated from the photographic record and the originals in the Java at Bristol (although many columns and other features were removed from the pub during recent “renovations” despite the Grade II Heritage listing). The delicate carvings of the ram’s heads, laurel leaves, folded ribbons and more are nearly complete but for chips at each corner, one larger than the other, both of which will need filling. There are some additional minor losses, rubbing and abrasion, none of which are unexpected with delicate plasterwork over pine.”
Dimensions (ALL Approximate):
Skirting: Height 4 ½”, width 13”, depth 3”
Fluted pilaster: Height 82 ¾” (with skirting 87 ¼”, with skirting and capital 91” total), width at bottom 10” tapering to 8 ½” at the top, depth above skirting 1 ½” tapering to 13/16” at the top
Capital: Maximum height (rams snout to top) 7”, maximum width 15”, maximum depth 5”
Weight: 34 lbs
It was a little over a year ago that I was contacted by a friend to authenticate this rather large section African mahogany. I certainly did due diligence, and in depth, but it was obvious to me it was indeed genuine just from looking at as I recognized it - short line of solid provenance aside. I have been asked to examine carved wood and plaster capitals said to be from her before, but few, if any, such instances have yielded genuine finds beyond the odd treen and unusual scrap items.
I then spent time researching the origins of this pilaster, evaluating its condition, the symbolism so carefully carved and the techniques used to create this fine gilt decorated pilaster. The story about Palestinian carvers being brought in is just that - a story. I also detailed its interesting history once removed from the ship. Then I set about finding a good home for it. It was very important to the owner (and me) that the pilaster not be cut up and resold, but that it be restored and displayed for the public f possible. The materials below are just a part of the result of this research. We were very lucky to have found the ideal home - and so very near the original location where it was carved over a century ago.
I am not prepared to discuss provenance in detail at this time as the previous owner wishes anonymity. I can say it was intended for Bristol and was never far away from that location. Furthermore, it was never installed in what is now the Java, and it was not part of the Great Tew Estate Sale. I provided three detailed photographs to show you some of the superb craftsmanship and quality of this piece before restoration. It is interesting to compare these photographs with the wood now it the Java. More photographs, as well as additional information regarding the museum's function, history and the display opening will be posted.
From my research: “...the pilaster has the gold skirting, carved fluted pilaster and the golden double ram’s head capital atop. Found near the sets of double doors which led out of the Lounge, these pilasters framed the adjacent sitting and writing rooms as well. They were also employed in each alcove and on the corners of the aft bulkhead alongside the statues of Columbia and Britannia.
Having never been altered, painted or re-installed since 1936, this example retains its original finish. Portions of the reverse have the typical dark grey graphite-based coating intended to reduce friction and noise between these large joined sections at sea. On the reverse and in hidden areas are some characters and markings from its original carving, installation or possibly from its reassembly for resale by The Mauretania Syndicate. The pilaster is in "fine" condition on the whole and has the wear and marks expected from 27 years of service and subsequent storage.
The skirting is of carved mahogany molding decorated with gold paint and detailed with the Roman crossed ribbon motif which appeared repeatedly in the ship’s decor. Two of the three sections of skirting remain attached to the pilaster, slightly loose, with the third segment requiring a minor glue repair. There is a small rectangular notch beneath the front left crossed ribbon on the skirting which reveals a small bit of original hardware. The tiny insert intended to conceal this is present and slips right back into place. There may be other concealed hardware inserts.
The fluted mahogany pilaster above the skirting, with its hand-carved gilt motif of stylized acanthus flowers, is beautifully intact and exemplifies the superior craftsmanship this ship is known for. It is not surprising to find the ancient technique of carving both wider and thicker at the bottom with a gentle taper toward the capital to subtly enhance the perceived height. The pilaster has four small equidistant holes running up each side from the original installation hardware.
The golden capital atop is of the stylized Scamozzi design typical of the First Class Lounge. The double ram’s heads denote strength and nobility with the spiral horns serving as volutes. The capital is adorned with a central medallion of Britannia wearing a stylized Corinthian helmet establishing maritime dominance. The portrait is surrounded by triumphal English laurel foliage and fruit; it is further decorated with ornate ribbons and a globe.
Missing are some of the smaller, more fragile elements of the capital, and the body of the capital is cracked in half just right of the medallion (a clean, break easily repaired). The lost bits include the swag suspended between the two intricate rams and approximately three fourths of the two rams' fur "pendants" which hung from horn to horn on each of the ram’s heads. A small portion, perhaps half of one ram’s fur “pendant,” remains on the left. If desired, the missing elements can be recreated from the photographic record and the originals in the Java at Bristol (although many columns and other features were removed from the pub during recent “renovations” despite the Grade II Heritage listing). The delicate carvings of the ram’s heads, laurel leaves, folded ribbons and more are nearly complete but for chips at each corner, one larger than the other, both of which will need filling. There are some additional minor losses, rubbing and abrasion, none of which are unexpected with delicate plasterwork over pine.”
Dimensions (ALL Approximate):
Skirting: Height 4 ½”, width 13”, depth 3”
Fluted pilaster: Height 82 ¾” (with skirting 87 ¼”, with skirting and capital 91” total), width at bottom 10” tapering to 8 ½” at the top, depth above skirting 1 ½” tapering to 13/16” at the top
Capital: Maximum height (rams snout to top) 7”, maximum width 15”, maximum depth 5”
Weight: 34 lbs
Above - The skirting with crossed ribbon detailing. Gold paint on hand-carved mahogany.
(Digital Photo File © 2012 Eric K. Longo)
(Digital Photo File © 2012 Eric K. Longo)
Above - The fluting with acanthus floral motif. Gold leaf and hand-carved African mahogany.
(Digital Photo File © 2012 Eric K. Longo)
(Digital Photo File © 2012 Eric K. Longo)
Above - Detail of the ram's head capital with horn and decoration. Gold paint on plaster over pine.
(Digital Photo File © 2012 Eric K. Longo)
(Digital Photo File © 2012 Eric K. Longo)
I hope you enjoyed these materials. Placing this pilaster at this specific museum and providing images of the ship for the display has been very satisfying.
I realized I never updated the pilaster post with photographs of the restored final display! The images posted already were the "before" photographs, taken for my condition report and research to authenticate and represent the item. Below is the archival photo I composed which accompanied the research above; it contains additional "before" images. Following are some more recent photographs taken by the Discovery Museum Keeper of Maritime History and friend Ian Whitehead, who I have known for some six years now and who was instrumental in helping place this pilaster back "home" in the Permanent Collection - it is back where is started over a century ago. I have the provenance direct back to 1934, but the original owner wishes to remain anonymous. The Blitz was involved - a terrific story of daring rescue!
Above - Archival photo showing these pilasters and their location in the Lounge in green; key below.
Key to illustration:
1) Detail of the capital showing a Ram’s ear, horn and laurel leaves.
2) Archival photograph showing two pilasters in situ in the Lounge on the starboard side, near the double doors leading forward to the Grand Entrance (Warren, plate 43, exact location shown with arrow in image 7).
3) The capital showing one of the two the Rams’ heads.
4) Archival detail of a Ram’s head Lounge capital (from a column).
5) Profile of the carved mahogany skirting and pilaster.
6) Detail of the pilaster carving with an archival detail of the acanthus fluting.
7) Deck plan showing the Lounge with pilaster locations highlighted in green (LLR).
8) The fluting with gilt floral motif.
9) The carved pilaster with skirting.
10) The crossed ribbon detailing.
11) The pilaster and skirting with the separate left side.
(Digital Photo File © 2012 Eric K. Longo)
Key to illustration:
1) Detail of the capital showing a Ram’s ear, horn and laurel leaves.
2) Archival photograph showing two pilasters in situ in the Lounge on the starboard side, near the double doors leading forward to the Grand Entrance (Warren, plate 43, exact location shown with arrow in image 7).
3) The capital showing one of the two the Rams’ heads.
4) Archival detail of a Ram’s head Lounge capital (from a column).
5) Profile of the carved mahogany skirting and pilaster.
6) Detail of the pilaster carving with an archival detail of the acanthus fluting.
7) Deck plan showing the Lounge with pilaster locations highlighted in green (LLR).
8) The fluting with gilt floral motif.
9) The carved pilaster with skirting.
10) The crossed ribbon detailing.
11) The pilaster and skirting with the separate left side.
(Digital Photo File © 2012 Eric K. Longo)
Above - The finished display at The Segedunum Museum, Wallsend.
(© 2012 IW/T&W Museums - Provided Courtesy of Eric Longo)
(© 2012 IW/T&W Museums - Provided Courtesy of Eric Longo)
Above - The Ram's head capital and pilaster newly restored and behind protective plexiglass.
(© 2012 IW/T&W Museums - Provided Courtesy of Eric Longo)
(© 2012 IW/T&W Museums - Provided Courtesy of Eric Longo)
Above - Detail of the carved and gilded fluting.
(© 2012 IW/T&W Museums - Provided Courtesy of Eric Longo)
(© 2012 IW/T&W Museums - Provided Courtesy of Eric Longo)
Above - Another detail of acanthus fluting rendered in gold leaf.
(© 2012 IW/T&W Museums - Provided Courtesy of Eric Longo)
(© 2012 IW/T&W Museums - Provided Courtesy of Eric Longo)
Above - Pulling Away, 2:15 p.m. 22 October 1907 Wallsend
© Eric Keith Longo Collection, prepared and loaned for exhibit
© Eric Keith Longo Collection, prepared and loaned for exhibit
(Museum Tag by EKL)
Pilaster, First Class Lounge, R.M.S. Mauretania 1907-1934
Louis Seize style with Acanthus fluting, Roman-crossed ribbons, and double Ram’s head capital with Britannia, by Messrs. C. H. Mellier & Co., London
Mahogany, pine, plaster, gold leaf, bronze paint
What was the Mauretania?
The Mauretania is remembered as the largest passenger liner built on the Tyne. She was launched in 1906, very close to our Segedunum Museum. She was over 240 metres long and had four large funnels. Her Captain’s Bridge was nearly as high as the upper deck of Newcastle’s High Level Bridge. She could carry 2165 passengers and 938 crew members. She also used a new type of engine, the turbine, which was invented here in Newcastle by Sir Charles Parsons.
Why is the Mauretania important?
With Parsons’ turbine engine, the Mauretania earned world fame for being the fastest liner to traverse the Atlantic to New York. On her return maiden voyage in 1907 she won the Blue Ribband, an award given to the liner that made the most rapid crossing. The Mauretania ran at 23.69 knots (over 27 miles per hour) on that first trip home, providing a great source of local pride for Tyneside, the British Cunard Line, and the entire nation. She held the Blue Ribband for 22 years.
The Mauretania, and her sister Lusitania, incorporated several features not previously offered to passengers at sea such as hydraulic barber chairs, one of the first uses of aluminum in the lift grilles, and the popular Veranda Café, which allowed passengers to take tea in an outdoor setting.
The Mauretania served in The Great War as a cruiser, hospital ship and troop transport. She returned to passenger service in 1919 and was retired in 1934. The Mauretania was scrapped in Scotland in 1935, providing needed employment at Rosyth. Much of her Lounge, the room this pilaster came from, survives and can be seen today in a pub in Bristol.
Pilaster, First Class Lounge, R.M.S. Mauretania 1907-1934
Louis Seize style with Acanthus fluting, Roman-crossed ribbons, and double Ram’s head capital with Britannia, by Messrs. C. H. Mellier & Co., London
Mahogany, pine, plaster, gold leaf, bronze paint
What was the Mauretania?
The Mauretania is remembered as the largest passenger liner built on the Tyne. She was launched in 1906, very close to our Segedunum Museum. She was over 240 metres long and had four large funnels. Her Captain’s Bridge was nearly as high as the upper deck of Newcastle’s High Level Bridge. She could carry 2165 passengers and 938 crew members. She also used a new type of engine, the turbine, which was invented here in Newcastle by Sir Charles Parsons.
Why is the Mauretania important?
With Parsons’ turbine engine, the Mauretania earned world fame for being the fastest liner to traverse the Atlantic to New York. On her return maiden voyage in 1907 she won the Blue Ribband, an award given to the liner that made the most rapid crossing. The Mauretania ran at 23.69 knots (over 27 miles per hour) on that first trip home, providing a great source of local pride for Tyneside, the British Cunard Line, and the entire nation. She held the Blue Ribband for 22 years.
The Mauretania, and her sister Lusitania, incorporated several features not previously offered to passengers at sea such as hydraulic barber chairs, one of the first uses of aluminum in the lift grilles, and the popular Veranda Café, which allowed passengers to take tea in an outdoor setting.
The Mauretania served in The Great War as a cruiser, hospital ship and troop transport. She returned to passenger service in 1919 and was retired in 1934. The Mauretania was scrapped in Scotland in 1935, providing needed employment at Rosyth. Much of her Lounge, the room this pilaster came from, survives and can be seen today in a pub in Bristol.
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RMS Mauretania: The Centennial of her Launch - By Eric K. Longo
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Copyright © 2008, 2012, 2018 Joseph B. Rayder.