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). 

​​​

---

Sperm Whale Weathervane

Sperm Whale Weathervane
May 31st
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuition: $120
​Materials: $20

Click on the photo to register.
​​​​
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 optional base is made from a 200 year old chestnut board and is inlaid with a Mother of Pearl star.
​Length of whale: 14”.

---