The figurehead, carved in western red cedar by an unidentified carver, was removed from the ship in the early 20th century. Red cedar was a popular choice in the carving of ships’ decorations due to its lightweight nature and natural rot resistance. [2] From 1906 until 2022, this figurehead adorned the façade of the Wardroom of HMS Nelson, a naval shore establishment in Portsmouth.
It has recently been revealed that HMS Seaflower and the similar looking figurehead of HM Brig Martin were confused when removed from their respective ships, likely due to their similar appearances. This figurehead was once believed to be HM Brig Martin, [3] owing to the fact that the other holds a flower in her hand, thus surely indicating that she was from HMS Seaflower. However, closer inspection has identified that flower to be a rose, rather than a ‘seaflower’, which is a common nickname for a sea anemone.
It was originally believed that the HM Brig Martin figurehead had her left arm raised to her chest, whilst HMS Seaflower’s figurehead had her right arm raised. However, photographic evidence held within the collection of the Imperial War Museum [4] of the actual HM Brig Martin clearly shows a figurehead with her right arm raised, thus further evidencing the confusion in their naming once placed on the façade of HMS Nelson’s Wardroom.
This figurehead is also adorned with a type of crown or tiara that features a large scallop shell; this direct oceanic link is more likely to be attached to a ship with a marine-inspired name. The scallop shell is a common symbol for pilgrimage, particularly the Camino de Santiago in Spain. [5] The Camino culminates at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, believed to hold the tomb of St James, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ and Patron saint of Spain. Born to a fishing family, St James is also connected to the sea, thus the shell becomes symbolic of travel/pilgrimage, exploration and venturing into the unknown for sailors. [6]
Conservation
The figurehead of HMS Seaflower became part of a large, two-year conservation and reinterpretation project at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth from 2023 to 2025. It was as part of this process that the confused identity with HM Brig Martin was discovered.
HMS Seaflower was restored by Orbis Conservation Limited in London. The figurehead can now be seen as part of the Museum's collection at Portsmouth. It can also be viewed alongside other figureheads within the collection on the Bloomberg Connects website and app.
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