The model ship maker: ‘It’s been my life’s work – I wouldn’t swap anything for the pleasure it gives me’
Philip Reed has dedicated most of his life to building model ships; he explained why to Tessa Waugh. Portraits by Richard Cannon.
Philip Reed describes his need to build model ships as an obsession.
Mr Reed’s background is in fine art, but, one day, he spotted a model ship building kit in a shop window. It intrigued him so much that he went away to learn everything he could about the art. ‘I’d done this before with other subjects and then grown bored,’ he admits, ‘but model ships continue to fascinate me.’
Mr Reed soon began building models alongside his teaching work, selling them through a West End gallery and the American Marine Model Gallery in Massachusetts.
Since becoming a full-time model-maker in 1980, Mr Reed has written four books and numerous articles on the subject. ‘One of my great hopes is that someone will take up the baton and use what I’ve written to extend the life of this particular artform,’ he says.
Mr Reed soon began building models alongside his teaching work, selling them through a West End gallery and the American Marine Model Gallery in Massachusetts.
