SS Glendene & Larch Arrow
Meticulous restoration of two historic ship models for a world leader in shipping.
Type of Project: Specialist ship model restoration
Purpose: Permanent display within Howe Robinson Partners’ corporate offices
Client: Howe Robinson Partners — one of the most respected names in global shipping
We were honoured to be entrusted with the restoration of two distinguished ship models — SS Glendene and Larch Arrow — from the London office of Howe Robinson Partners, one of the world’s most respected shipbroking firms. Representing significant vessels from British maritime history, these finely crafted models form part of the company’s private collection, proudly displayed within their corporate headquarters.
Evoking the rich heritage of early 20th-century merchant shipping, the models embody the enduring link between maritime commerce and master craftsmanship. Their presence in the office of a leading global shipbroker serves as both a tribute to tradition and a symbol of heritage in today’s modern shipping industry.
At Polaris Models, we take great pride in working with historically significant commissions. This project stands as a testament to our commitment to precision, authenticity, and the preservation of maritime history through the art of ship model restoration.
The restoration of the SS Glendene and Larch Arrow ship models began with their safe collection and transport from Howe Robinson Partners’ London office to our specialist workshop in Potters Bar. Given the age, value, and fragility of both pieces — particularly the Glendene, an exceptionally old, museum-quality model with intricate detailing — we always recommend that clients entrust transportation to our team. For significant maritime artefacts, expert handling by an experienced model maker is essential to prevent vibration or stress that could cause irreversible damage.
The Glendene was displayed in a solid glass case mounted on a heavy wooden base, making it particularly challenging to move. Our team executed the relocation with precision, ensuring complete structural integrity upon arrival. Once in our workshop, a comprehensive inspection revealed several issues: while the deck structures were generally sound, there were scattered damages and loose fittings, more severe deterioration to the bridge area, and — most critically — a long structural crack running along the hull. This fault required immediate, highly sensitive intervention.
By contrast, the Larch Arrow, a more modern construction, was in better condition but still showed signs of wear, including hull cracks, minor deck damage, and a non-functional internal lighting system.
The first stage for both models involved a meticulous deep clean, followed by careful repair of loose fittings and the reconstruction of missing elements. On the Glendene, we replaced ageing rigging lines with historically accurate rope. We then addressed the major hull crack — a problem we had encountered before on models from the same era. These older pieces were often built from multiple solid wood blocks glued together, with alternating grain directions to resist warping. Over time, environmental changes had caused the adhesive to fail, creating the fracture.
We fully investigated the extent of the damage, carefully opening the seam to clean, reinforce, and reseal it internally. The blocks were realigned, the gap filled and smoothed, and the reinforcement applied to prevent future movement. The paintwork was then restored by scanning and matching the original colours, replicating the finishes, lettering, and Plimsoll lines to exact historical standards.
The Larch Arrow received a careful respray, restoration of its internal lighting, and replacement of outdated wiring with safe, discreetly installed modern components.
Before returning the models, we restored and cleaned the Glendene’s display case and base to match the presentation quality of the models themselves. Both pieces were then professionally packed, personally transported back to the client’s London office, and installed on-site with the precision and care befitting such significant works.
The final stage of this commission was the delivery and on-site installation of the restored SS Glendene and Larch Arrow models at Howe Robinson Partners’ London headquarters. As the protective coverings were removed, the expressions on the team’s faces spoke volumes. They gathered around the models, examining every detail, and were particularly struck by the precision of the work — especially the seamless, invisible repairs, which are a hallmark of our restoration process.
For us, the greatest reward comes when the value of our craftsmanship resonates so strongly with a client. The team at Howe Robinson Partners expressed genuine appreciation, not only for the quality of the restoration but for the care taken to preserve the authenticity and historical integrity of these maritime artefacts. Their enthusiasm led to an impromptu tour of their wider collection of maritime artworks, turning what could have been a straightforward delivery into a warm, engaging exchange.
This kind of response reminds us why we do what we do. When a restoration not only revives a ship model but also rekindles emotional and historical connections, the outcome becomes more than a technical success — it becomes a shared celebration of maritime heritage. We are proud to have played a role in preserving that legacy and honoured to have earned such a heartfelt reaction from one of the world’s most respected names in shipping.