Earlier this month, as. part of Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST) event, Brooke Lanier opened her studio on S. 4th Street in Philadelphia to Conservancy supporters and SS United States enthusiasts for a special exhibition and Q&A event.
Brooke Lanier’s paintings have been described by The Jersey Journal as "not your grandparents’ paintings of sailboats." Now, she's become captivated by the SS United States. Recently, the Conservancy connected with the Philadelphia-based artist following her latest exhibit, “Berths and Ghosts,” which drew heavily from nautical themes and historic ships.
The Conservancy is devoted to raising awareness and education around the historic SS United States. We are delighted any time we learn of teachers incorporating America’s Flagship into their lessons. We were recently contacted by Steven Ouellett, a teacher based in The Bronx, New York City. Ouellett wrote:
“She’s not perfect, but this was my best attempt to build a replica of the SS United States out of manila folders, poster board, and aluminum. As a science teacher, my students and I were on the subject of density and displacement, and what better way to demonstrate it by using ships? Unfortunately, COVID-19 closed down all the schools and the way to wrap up this project and launch her. So to not disappoint my students, I built her myself. Her keel was laid on the 21st of March and was officially launched on the 12th of June. The model SS United States’ length overall (LOA) is 70 inches, the beam is 14 inches and the maximum draught is 3.5 inches.”
You can see a video of the model below.
“I was inspired to build this model because I remember accidentally discovering the SS United States when doing research on Blue Riband ships. When doing more research, I saw more of her coloured history as the current reigning Blue Riband,” Ouelett told the Conservancy. “I got emotional when I saw the state she’s in at Philadelphia, and to think that so few people know of her. I grew up at sea, and to think that such a beauty is largely unknown by her country, which she’s named after and flew the flag for, made me really feel emotional and more inclined to honour her.
Originally, I’m from Canada but this was a ship that really means a lot to me because I admire great feats of engineering and I would love, as any ocean liner enthusiast would, to see the real beauty restored, hopefully re-moored in New York, and honoured for how great she is.”
Steven also sent in these photos from his recent trip to Philadelphia, where he was able to see America’s Flagship in person.
The SS United States Conservancy is advancing its plans to create a world-class shipboard museum and visitor center aboard the redeveloped Big U. Learn how you can help.
