Ab Hoving in Nautical Research Journal

[Don Boose]

Forum Member and master model builder and maritime historian Ab Hoving is the subject of an article in the latest issue (68-2) of Nautical Research Journal, a venue in which the work of our fellow Forum member David Sakrison also appears from time to time.

The issue is not yet available at the Nautical Research Guild website (Nautical Research Guild - Nautical Research Journal) but should appear soon.

I hope I am not violating copyright restrictions by posting this low-resolution screenshot of the first page of the article (including the copyright caveat).

Don

[Michael Mash]

Thanks for the notice Don.
I look forward to reading the article.
We are lucky to have Ab as an active member here.
His contribution to our understanding of Dutch sailing vessels has been brilliant.
Mike

[Razzamatazz]

I will be happy to read this article, it might be so useful

[davelant]

I've seen that picture of him many times, but my wife had to point out that he is posed like a Rembrandt portrait ( I smack myself on the head.)

[abhovi]

@Davelant:
Funny that you mention Rembrandt. The picture was shot by a famous photographer, Koos Breukel, who did wonderful things with his portraits with little available light, just like the painter did. It served as an illustration for an interview in a glossy magazine the Rijksmuseum published for some time. A couple of 'characteristic' employees of the museum were presented in a series. Unfortunately the magazine did not survive the financial crisis of 2008. I remember when I went to Breukels address in Amsterdam that he stood in his doorway when I arrived on my bike and the first thing he shouted when he saw me was: 'You can keep your hat on' (Just like the famous Randy Newman song).
Breukel was the only photographer who did not picture me as a complete fool. So I used the picture wherever it seemed necessary.
Don't smack yourself too hard...
@Razzamatazz: I'm not sure anything useful is in the interview, but I do hope you like it.
@Michael Mash: Thank you for you kind words (again) Mike.
@Don Boose: Thank you Don for pointing out this interview. It was an unexpected honor to be interviewed by Ron Neilson, who is an excellent model builder himself. Much better than me.

[abhovi]

Incase you are interested in this wonderful photographer: Koos Breukel - Photo Studio.
Ab

[ccoyle]

Originally Posted by abhovi

Much better than me.

Ab, your self-deprecation reminds of another talented modeler I was fortunate to make acquaintance with many years ago in the Ship Modelers Association. He specialized in 17th century Dutch warships and said his models weren't really models but more like "artistic impressions" of his subjects.

[abhovi]

Hello Chris,

Isn't making a bit of a fool of yourself one of the secret pleasures of life?

By the way, here are some good pictures by my son of my latest models:


A 60 feet narrow ship and:


A 70 feet wide ship.
I used the same design.

[Don Boose]

These are superb models of very good-looking watercraft, Ab.

Don

[Michael Mash]

Hello Ab,
Your son’s photos of your work are always expertly done and appreciated.
The card your ships are made of always looks like the wood it is replicating.
That appears to be an unusual sail configuration on the second one . . . perhaps able to catch a little more wind on the Zuiderzee.

Mike