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Weathervanes were standard fixtures on many high buildings in Nantucket. Although they had the practical function of showing wind direction, they also functioned as sculpture, often with great exuberance.  Those objects we now call whirligigs, carved figures with two paddles which rotate in the breeze with a whirling motion were designed as weather vanes in Nantucket in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, being called “Sailor Boy”, “Dewey Boy” and “Happy Jack” weather vanes. The earliest makers of these “weather vanes” of which we presently know are Charles F. Ray, born 1826, and William H. Chase (1850-1931). 

​​​Come take these classes and create your own piece of folk art. Working from patterns you will layout, cut and shape the body, arms, hat and paddles of these whimsical figures. After drilling holes for the arms, paddles and stand, the whirligig is assembled. If time permits, you will have the opportunity to paint your whirligig and create a base. 

 PictureSperm Whale Weathervane
Sperm Whale Weathervane
This whirligig weathervane is inspired by an original Nantucket whirligig made by Lincoln Ceely. The whale is hand-cut and carved out of basswood. Two rows of wooden teeth are carved separately, painted and installed. The base is made from a 200 year old chestnut board and is inlaid with a Mother of Pearl star.
​Length of whale: 14”.
​Coming Soon!
PictureHappy Jack Whirligig
Happy Jack Whirligig
​This whirligig is inspired by one attributed to William H. Chase. The flat figure is cut with a handsaw and painted. The arms and paddles are carved separately and are movable.
Height of figure: 12 inches.
​Coming Soon!
PictureSailor Boy Whirligig
Sailor Boy Whirligig
​This whirligig is inspired by one made by Charlie F. Ray. The figure is carved in the round, with straight legs and trousers that flare at the bottom. The arms and paddles are carved separately and are movable.
​Height of figure: 12 inches.
​Coming Soon!
PictureDewey Boy Whirligig
Dewey Boy Whirligig​​
​This whirligig copied from one attributed to William H. Chase, is a flat figure, cut with a hand saw and painted. The arms are made from dowels with the suggestion of hands holding paddles. This figure with cut-out bowed legs and feet pointed out, became the prototype form of Nantucket whirligigs made by Lincoln Ceely and others in the twentieth century.
​Height of figure: 12 inches.
​Coming Soon!
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