Revealing history
All boats have history, but none more so than the characterful old work boats and converted barges that line the canals. When I was asked to paint the hull of a 70ft widebeam barge, named Bambi, I was daunted by the scale of the task - not least because the majority of the work would need to be done on the water using my small work tender. Painting a boat from another boat struck me as an exciting proposition however, and “challenge accepted”, as they say!
The expansive gunnels of this historic 80+ year old ex-British Waterways vessel
After a day or so of sanding to get back to a good paintable surface, I noticed various numbers emerging from beneath. Initially what looked like a ‘3’ at the bow, became more clearly discernible as the number 13. This was repeated bow and stern, both port-side and starboard. The numbers had been created by welding the outlines on the steel hull, like the boat equivalent of a tattoo.
The distinct welded outline of the number “3” appeared on the portside bow
In addition, further inspection of the bow revealed a series of smaller numerical inscriptions “80529” either side of the barge’s impressive prow. These were formed in a similar manner, welded outlines, denoting the vessel’s original British Waterways number. I immediately knew that somehow or other I had to bring all these numbers back to life. I couldn’t simply paint over them and erase history.
I opted for a cream and red combo, red to match Bambi’s existing colour scheme, and cream to make the number pop against the black background of the hull. Using a set of miniature paint brushes, I applied the paint free-hand, which was interesting especially when both vessels involved (Bambi and Terrapin) were moving to the tune of the water and passing boats on the cut.
The various stages of repainting Bambi’s hull and restoring the old numbers
The result was bold and stylish, and the numbers certainly became something of a conversation starter, with many people who’d walked past her ever day for months or more, never having noticed this hidden history.
The newly restored British Waterways numbering, replicated on both sides of the bow, provided a challenge in manual dexterity and free-hand paining
As the project enters it’s last phase, I decided to add one last addition for Bambi’s owners, confident in the knowledge that they’d love to have the name Bambi painted somewhere on the hull. After experimenting with some home-made stencilling, comprising greaseproof paper, masking tape, and a craft knife, I managed to add a stylised Bambi on the stern - complete with hoof markings for the dot of the “i”. It was an instant hit!
Bambi’s new name badge on her stern, just waiting for its black surround
Quite possibly one of the most creative and enjoyable jobs I’ve done so far, and my gratitude to Bambi’s owners for being so flexible and open to bringing her history back to the fore. What could have been a relatively standard painting job turned into an exciting treasure hunt and walk back through history. Certainly worth keeping an eye out for hidden gems when you start scraping away the old layers of paint on your boat!!
