Model Ship Building | Model ship kits

The History of Model Ship Building

For as long as there have been ships questing our rolling seas, there have been enthusiasts, hobbyists and professionals fascinated by the art of model ship building. You can bet that any ship or boat that has ever been in the public eye has scores of miniature replicas standing proudly on display in homes, museums and institutions of education across the world, providing a visual timeline of maritime magnificence through the ages.

Evidence of model ship building in Europe dates back from the 12th to the 15th centuries, where superior, finely honed models of early craft can still be found in certain churches, where they were used for ceremonial purposes. A common practice in Catholic countries until the 19th century, model ships were used in ceremonies to bless ships, their crew and passengers and protect them from the potential perils of the seas on their sometimes incredibly long ocean voyages.

Parts of the Mediterranean and ancient Greece, as well as Egypt and Phoenicia, all bear testament to the ancient art of model ship building. Archaeologists have gleaned a host of valuable seafaring information from the discovery and study of model ships, all of which have contributed towards ensuring that modern ships are built and operated with the wisest and most learned theoretical knowledge, backed by the cutting edge technology we possess today.

The Model Shipyard is the only global designer and manufacturer of the world renowned, high quality STEPHENS & KENAU™ range of ship models. Any model ship builder throughout the world holds this range of model ships and building kits in the highest esteem as the benchmark of model ships. If all things nautical and maritime are your passion, then the STEPHENS & KENAU™ range is certainly both a good place to start and a wonderful way to progress in the fine art of model ship building. Contact us now to discuss our extensive and exciting range of model ship building kits.