Nannie the Witch

One of the most recognisable figureheads in the NationalMaritime Museum’s world-leading collection is Nannie the witch, who leans withoutstretched arm from the bow of Cutty Sark towards the River Thames.Nannie, who has provided protection to the ship in at least three differentforms over the course of its history, is at the centre of this book.

Cutty Sark experts Louise Macfarlane and ClaireDenham explore the history of the figurehead, including its original design byHercules Linton and construction by carver Frederick Hellyer. Using drawingsand archival photographs, they show how the figure morphed into the version atthe ship’s bow today.

With a contribution from master carver Andy Peters,responsible for the Nannie that was installed in 2021, the book documents theprocess of creating a figurehead and considers the art of figurehead carving asan endangered skill.