Ship models have been considered a legitimate decorative art form for the past four hundred years throughout northern Europe and more recently in 19th and 20th centuries in North America.
Of course ship models have been prized objects of art since 2000 BC in Egypt and Mesopotamia. As appreciation for marine model artists – known by name and specializing in original, conscientious research as well as highest quality construction methods and aesthetic appeal – has grown, their models’ value as works of art has grown accordingly. This value is recognized and celebrated not only by leading museums specializing in maritime art but also by major international museums such as the British Museum, the Louvre , the Museum of Fine Arts and the Smithsonian Institution, all of which exhibit ship models in their collections.