Two women, four carpenters and a wood yard
- Paul Croly. Saved my life. I found him by chance through Andy in France. Paul arrived during a bitter Winter to live in his van and start the ribs and wooden foundations of Hippo, eventually laying out the whole downstairs, wheelhouse and kitchen. He weathered new daily ideas and changes with great patience and skill. Considered, thoughtful and very experienced. The first and most thoroughly appreciated. Merci Paul. Cheeky and calm wins the prize. boatfit.eu
- Douwe Van der Ploeg at scheepswerf “Nieko” Franeker, Friesland. Youth, intelligence, joinery perfectionism and a very defined sense of style. Douwe recreated Hippo’s dream 1930’s dining table, a safe and beautiful staircase, all meranti kitchen worktops, and made some remarkable copies of the original mahogany outer doors. Hip hip hoorah for North Houtwerk
- ‘E’. Interestingly both lady carpenter/joiners refused to be mentioned online. .perhaps the mystery and humility of womankind and a proud stubborness to avoid the whirlwind of establishment nonsense. I now realise- it took 50 years of being one- that women are generally extraordinary and they remain the backbone of our society. Let’s put them properly in charge once and for all. ‘E’ is a professional skipper, carpenter and rigger travelling internationally to teach men how to do things. I bet they do just as she says. She worked with me for several months by Whatsapp from doodled sketches and sketchy notes. She made hidden storage everywhere, fashioned a masterful sink surround downstairs, and built the most important room in the ship- the tiny VIP guest room.. for beloved maman Line- the patron Saint of Hippo.
- ‘M’. A true friend. One I will cherish forever. Queen of detail and ideas. We have laughed, huffed and puffed and enjoyed every second. From little penguin knobs, to vast mahogany secondary doors, to bins and trims, outer benches and cheeky boxes..our work continues. She has kept my spirits sky-high and given me huge confidence ‘ just bang it in miranda, don’t be afraid!’. A huge support and a warmth and generosity that I will always be indebted to. ’M’, you love Hippo, but we love you more. favourite memory so far: your arrival on a bicycle, circular saw chained onto the back, carrying a vast sheet of ply and your tools on your back. That was when I knew it was meant to be!
Four carpenters for the big steel lady. All four artists in their way. I think of each one e-ve-ry day as I move about the inhale-exhale space, brush against a curve or open a drawer. Hippopotamo deserved their care and attention after 85 years, 50 years of which she was in service to the Venetians, gliding them to and fro on the lagoon. So much skill, so much love. It’s almost too emotional to write about.
Vlieland. a tiny Frisian island off the cost of Harlingen. ‘M’ told me they had imported the pine from Corsica to forest the island. Absolutely true.
PS. Posthumus wood yard, Franeker, Friesland, NL. The most exceptional trio of brothers that exist. A wood yard to wonder at. They too have been a joy to work with. Choosing wood from people who care is a rare pleasure. The thought of the scent of different trees as one passes from warehouse to warehouse helps lull me to my happy place. Choosing just the right piece, learning where each plank came from and how. The personal relationship, the authentic camaraderie and the cheeky coffee breaks.. thank you Kees, Rein and Sytse. Cheers to the three muskateers! www.houthandelposthumus.nl
Working with and around wood is paradise, even hoovering up sawdust makes my heart go boom-dadi-boom. Praise be to the trees that continue their lives onboard. We all raise our glasses to you, and will look after you.
M’s feet
Woods on Vaporetto Hippopōtamo:
Douglas fir
Meranti
Mahogany
Ash
Wenge
Birch ply
Bendy ply
Teak
American walnut