Reply To: The painting of blocks in the Royal Navy.

[Tom C]

Thanks for your reply Mr Lewis, very informative.
I am still unsure that the navy, or anyone would leave their blocks un-treated. My understanding of elm, as you quite rightly pointed out was used, is that it is susceptible to rot unless kept in a stable condition, i.e. submerged constantly. I suspect Elm was used due to its availability and workability; it has an interlocking grain that lends itself to milling and turning.it seems that with everything else being maintained, to leave the crucial blocks un-cared for would be odd. Does anyone know of any museum examples or analysis of archaeology that would shed light on this subject? Or perhaps paintings or pictures of ships?
Thanks again.