Boat Name
Boat Use
Boat Type
Build Date
Country of Origin
Area of Origin
Boat Dimensions
Length
36 ft 4 in
Width
4 ft 10 in
Description
This particular boat with its elaborate moulding on the bows was given to the Museum by Mr Guy Sanders.
Felce and Servisio Indoro for Venetian Gondola. The cabin and guilded brass decoration for a gondola is for festive and or ceremonial occasions. The cabin was built in 19th century and is now rare even in Venice.
The felce is of wood construction, covered on the outside with canvas and on the inside with a cotton material. the door and the windows have glass or slatted covers, all of which are on slides. The fittings are of brass and the figuring on the door and round the windows is beautifully executed carving.
All gondolas are of standard size and since 1562 all have by law to be painted black. Contrary to the many and varied stories purveyed by gondoliers there is no special significance in the iron ornament, Ferro di Proa, at the bow.
History
Before the railway came to Venice in 1846 the gondola was the main form of passenger transport to the island and was a much sturdier craft requiring two men to row it.
Until 1562, gondolas were gorgeously painted in many colours, costing in those days a great deal of money. The Doge of Venice declared in that year that they should all be painted in black in future, thus greatly reducing the gondolier's overheads.
Since then, however, a more beautiful and sophisticated craft has evolved for work in the sheltered canals of the City, work that can be carried out by a single gondolier rowing from one side of the craft only.
This gondola was built in 1946 and plied the canals for hire until 1969 when she was bought by Mr Guy Sanders of Truro. For a further three years she was used on the Truro River in Cornwall and was then presented to the Maritime Museum by Mr Sanders who not only prepared her for display but also made the mosaic 'Ave Madonna delle Gondola' which hangs nearby.
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