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L. Francis Herreshoff Collection

 Collection
Identifier: SP-Coll-038

Scope and Contents

This collection inventory was funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Dates

  • Creation: 1887 - 1977

Language of Materials

English Latin

Restrictions on Access

Available for use in the Daniel S. Gregory Ships Plans Library.

Restrictions on Use

Various copying restrictions apply. Guidelines are available from the Ships Plans Library.

Biography of L. Francis Herreshoff

Lewis Francis Herreshoff (1890-1972), the son of Nathanael G. Herreshoff, was a naval architect, editor and author of numerous books and articles. As a young man, Mr. Herreshoff had the opportunity to work in each area of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. During World War I, he designed for the U. S. Navy, and he later worked for naval architect W. Starling Burgess. By 1926, he was self-employed, designing racing and cruising yachts, canoes, kayaks and other small craft. His racing yachts include a 1930 Americas Cup contender, the J class yacht WHIRLWIND; the almost unbeatable double-ended M class sloop ISTALENA; and the revolutionary R class sloops YANKEE and LIVE YANKEE. L. Francis Herreshoff became a well-known designer of graceful yachts; among the most famous are the schooner JOANN and the ketches BOUNTY, TIOGA and ARAMINTA. He published numerous articles, including many for the "How to Build" series of The Rudder magazine. His "How to Build" designs include NERIA, MARCO POLO, MEADOW LARK, and the unusual catamaran, SAILSKI. His books include "The Writings of L. Francis Herreshoff," "Capt. Nat Herreshoff: The Wizard of Bristol," "The Common Sense of Yacht Design" and "The Compleat Cruiser." Two books, "Sensible Cruising Designs" and "An L. Francis Herreshoff Reader," were published after his death.

Extent

486 design(s) (Also non-vessel materials)

Abstract

The L. Francis Herreshoff collection consists of designs for racing and cruising yachts, canoes, kayaks and other small craft that Herreshoff produced as an independent designer. The collection also includes early work for W. Starling Burgess and illustrations from Norman L. Skene's book "Elements of Yacht Design," as well as plans from other designers.

Physical Description

1,511 sheet(s)

Title
L. Francis Herreshoff Collection
Subtitle
An Inventory of the Collection at the Daniel S. Gregory Ships Plans Library, Mystic Seaport Museum
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Daniel S. Gregory Ships Plans Library Repository

Contact:
G. W. Blunt White Library
Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc.
112 Greenmanville Avenue
Mystic Connecticut 06355 United States
860.572.5367