Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
1972 Picture of Clipper Ship by C.S. Purling |
Object Name |
|
Description |
1972 Picture of Clipper Ship by C. S. Purling. Print on paper is mounted under glass beneath a white mat with a central blue boarder and outer off white mat with a light blue inner boarder, all inside a wooden frame wrapped in paper with a faux red wood grain finish. Image depicts a clipper ship in full sail keeling toward its port (left) side. The bottom third of the photo is comprised the large waves and the top two-thirds shows blue sky with wispy clouds. Part of the Charles Parsons Collection. According to Mrs. Parsons, this was his favorite picture. |
Date |
1972 |
Creator |
Purling, C.S. |
Role |
Artist |
Medium |
Paper/Print |
Catalog Number |
2014.012.003 |
Dimensions |
H-25.5 W-31.5 D-3.25 inches |
Dimension Details |
(frame); 11.5x14.25 (image) |
Collection |
3D - Documentary Objects |
Inscription Text |
"C.S.PURLING / 1972." (artist signature front bottom right corner) |
Provenance |
This was Charles Parsons' favorite picture and it hung over his dresser. |
Notes |
Throughout his life, Charles Parsons had a passion for the sea and ships. During his childhood in Long Island, New York, he was a Sea Scout, became a champion sailboat skipper and built his first model ship. During World War II, he served in the Navy. Following the war, Charles and his wife, Suzanne, moved to the Bay Area. As a member of the San Francisco Yacht Club, Parsons enjoyed sailing his sloop, the Chasue. After he retired from his career as an engineer at Chevron, Parsons focused his efforts on model ship building. Parsons constructed his scale models at his home in San Carlos. Each model is a finely-crafted work of art. Often utilizing plans from others, Parsons would carefully research every detail of the design. He created a folder on every ship he built. These folders, which are now a part of the San Mateo County History Museum Archives, include notes, correspondences with designers, photographs and drawings outlining details of construction. It took Parsons approximately 18 months to complete each ship model. His models have been displayed at various West Coast museums and even made their way to Europe. |
Search Terms |
Parsons, Charles H. Prints Purling, C.S. Sailing Ships |
Subjects |
Clipper ships Marine paintings Sailing ships |
People |
Parsons, Charles H. Purling, C.S. |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Suzanne Parsons |