Cutty Sark - Canvas | INCLUDES: Muntz Plating Relic

This remarkable relic originates from a 1/4-sheet copper plate crafted from G.F. Muntz's patented alloy, known as "Yellow Metal." The plate was part of the original hull cladding of the Cutty Sark, one of the world’s most famous clipper ships. The copper plating, composed of 60% copper, 40% zinc, and trace amounts of iron, was specifically designed to protect wooden ships from biofouling and to prolong their service life. Muntz metal, first patented in 1832, offered superior antifouling properties that allowed vessels like Cutty Sark to maintain their speed and durability over long voyages.

Copper plate from the bottom of the ship's hull - used as relic on "The Cutty Sark" limited edition prints

The Cutty Sark was one of the last clippers to feature a wooden hull protected by this revolutionary metal. Ships with Muntz copper plating were less prone to damage from marine organisms, making them more efficient and requiring less maintenance. This advantage was particularly crucial during the height of the tea and wool trades, where speed and reliability were paramount.Copper plate from the bottom of the ship's hull - used as relic on "The Cutty Sark" limited edition prints

During the ship’s 2006 restoration, the original Muntz metal plating was removed and replaced with newly fabricated "Yellow Metal" sheets. This particular section of the original plating was salvaged before the tragic fire that engulfed the Cutty Sark in 2007. It now stands as a rare and tangible piece of maritime history, preserved from a ship that has become a symbol of 19th-century maritime innovation. This relic, from the Nauticalia LTD and Cutty Sark Trust collection, offers a direct connection to the craftsmanship and technological advances of the era that enabled the Cutty Sark to achieve its legendary speed and endurance on the high seas. Muntz Plating Relic included with each canvas art piece