It was suggested that I build waterline types to suppliment income when work wasn't available. But my line of work escalated as my reputation grew in and around New York and New England relative to the detailed steamboats I was producing. I did, however, incorporate some of Mr. Van Ryper's techniques to a pair of steamboat models I built for a client in Virginia who wanted waterline pieces for his train layout. Nothing after that left the studio until I was recently notified of several restorations that needed work concerning models made by the renowned builder.
These models were contracted by these collectors whom lived on Martha's Vineyard and knew the family of Van Ryper personally.
Many of his models were simple works thatcarried a nice value and a large following as I soon
learned. Taking these works apart, cleaning them, repairing and repainting damaged areas placed me in the position of shadowing his building practices and methods.
I was able to see how and what materials he used to achieve simple yet minute detail to works that contemporary antique dealers deemed as 'Art Deco'.
Charles Van Ryper started his line of 'Art Deco' models on Martha's Vineyard in 1933 during the midst of the Great Depression. He once declared these miniature gems as being " small, inexpensive models of great ships." The first models in his series appealed to the general public as well as to the
shipping industry. Today, Van Ryper models are prized collectibles -a fleet unto themselves as fine ships.
Maritime artist and shipmodelbuilder Rex Stewart sits among the Van Ryper
models he's been commissioned to restore for Martha's Vineyard collectors.
When Charles first produced them in the old whaling town of Vineyard Haven, MA he
established a simple idea to reconstruct, in
miniature, ships that were easily identified by appearance. He developed his own unique style of models -similiar to my steamboat type today...the signature being my flags.
His miniatures were handmade of wood where he incorporated some metal parts and painted them in their original furnishings. He began to call his pieces the "Travel Series"
which birthed his 9 - 11" inch ship models. This prolific series grew with amazing results and in 1937 a catalog published some 250 ships of all nations. There were special commissions received by his small shop on the Vineyard which addressed larger 13 - 18" inch works as seen in the above picture, and
Shown, the Van Ryper Freighter is presented as a restored model by the artist.
occasionally, more detailed models were ordered for his miniatures. He continued his Series up until 1960, retiring from his business and selling off his remaining works until 1962.
Since then his work has been highly sought after and traded all around the world. Last year South Street Seaport in New York City held a fascinating exhibit on the Ryper Collection.
As a builder I'm honored to restore his works. I get to examine them and apply his very techniques to the pieces that he was known to originate.
Shown here is a badly damaged and discolored CROSS RIP LIGHTSHIP. After viewing
several photos of Van Ryper's earlier pieces, I was able to use those and photos of the
actual vessel to conclude the accuracy of his technique and applications.
Another view of the damaged LIGHTSHIP, profile view.
The CROSS RIP LIGHTSHIP restored to its original configuration.
As a builder I have been given the opportunity to retrace Charles Van Ryper's methods and style of modelmaking. These images are only a few of the many projects completed, to date.
Surely, this individual was a true one-of-a-kind.
For more information about restoring these Van Ryper vintage collectibles, email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137. You may also visit this site to view current work https://www.flickr.com/photos/rexstewartoriginals/.
