| Admin History | Harry James Chapman was a boat builder on the River Trent at The Boathouse, Meadow Lane, Nottingham from 1913 until at least 1941. He is also recorded in trade directories from 1907 as a boat builder living at Radcliffe Mount, West Bridgford. In directories for 1950 and 1956, Cecil Chapman, presumably Harry's son, is recorded as the boat builder at the Meadow Lane address.
The present collection was created by Cecil Chapman, whose lifelong association with wooden hulled boats prompted him to challenge the accepted view of prehistoric wood survivals and the strength, buoyancy and preservation of felled wood. |
| Custodial History | The collection was acquired by The University of Nottingham's Department of Manuscripts and Special Collections in September 1989. Correspondence and other papers were added in July 1994. |
| Description | The principal series in the collection consists of 54 photographs, mainly black and white, relating to H.J. Chapman, boat builder. These depict Chapman's boatyard, boats, men at work building and repairing boats, the boathouse, and views up and down the River Trent. Undated, c.1930-c.1975 (MS 516/1);
The collection includes photographs of other subjects, particularly of family images and social events. Undated, c.1950-c.1975 (MS 516/2);
A watercolour painting by William Benner is present, showing the interior of, presumably, C.J. Chapman's boathouse. 1954 (MS 516/3);
Correspondence and copy correspondence of Cecil Chapman has been included, concerning both personal matters and professional work relating to Chapman's research into prehistoric wood survivals and maritime matters. 1986-1992 (MS 516/4);
Typescript copy of 'Wood Survival: Practical and Historical Evolution v Scientific Dogma', a paper by C.J. Chapman, c.1986 (MS 516/5). |