Corporate Steamboat Models Today - Rex Stewart

Lobby of Executive Park Towers, Stuyvesant Plaza...author's model of Hudson River steamboat PETER STUYVESANT.

                                                                    
It's not surprising that a resurgence has occurred in office settings that overlook the shorelines on the Eastern seaboard and, across the Atlantic. Whether it be on coastal/ inland rivers, or the ocean, business executives are taking a 'second look' at the maritime -utilizing ship models as part of their interior design.

Steamboats has since been a unique appeal for art and antique collectors since the early '80s when ship models made its debut in maritime galleries throughout the U.S. These beautiful detailed replicas represent a legacy of vessels that is, and was, the core of America's once-booming Industrial Age that came into its own as businesses and communities flourished on coastal shores. Such vessels were the mainstream of contemporary transportation in the 19th century, replacing the sailing ship as designers worked their skill to improve comfort and speed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Author's scratch-built model of MARY POWELL at the lower right corner displayed in the President's Room at Albany International circa 1980.

                                                                                                                                                            Since 1980, I learned firsthand through interacting with these collectors, that many of the 'corporate models' requested came as a result of sentiment. Many remembered the historical attributes these   vessels brought to their port-of-call, region, populace and commerce. In New York, the late Governor Mario Cuomo had such a model grace the Mansion's interior as part of its decor. The special model designated for that honor was the steamboat MARY POWELL.

The featured photo in this blog represent the Hudson River steamboat PETER STUYVESANT. It was selected as part of a multi-million dollar renovation project which began in January 2013 at the Executive Park Towers in Stuyvesant Plaza and finished this past January 2015. Prior to that time other corporations featured similar models I built for their offices and boardrooms -starting with Albany International in 1980.

                  Author presenting model of DANIEL DREW to Bank Of America boardroom
                  (formerly Fleet Bank) circa 1988.

The interest for these models continue to be strong -especially for those of 19th/ early 20th century vintage that the Hudson River Valley between New York City and Albany, New York. It was a vision that began 35 years ago with the support of historians, collectors, business leaders, curators and, most importantly -community spirit. We, in part, have a great maritime, and the 'corporate steamboat model' personifies the richness of its history in scale and beauty.

Author's scratch-built model of Hudson River Day Line steamboat ALEXANDER HAMILTON shown  as she appeared circa 1959. This is one of the current corporate requests since her last trip to Bear Mountain circa 1971.


A special note:

The image below is a limited edition (Remarque) print that I offer to celebrate the ALEXANDER HAMILTON. For more information concerning this print email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137.

Concerning commissioned work, I specialize in all Hudson River steamboats (any scale). These are fine one of a kind models that accurately define the vessel as it appeared on the river at any given time of its career.

To view my work and credentials, please visit https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart .

Thank you for viewing!