Fenwick Williams

[Jack Heinlen]

I was suprised to learn from an old WB article published at his passing that the man was virtually blind his entire working career. Given extreme glasses as a young man, for extreme myopia, he threw them away. Alden considered him one of the best draftmen and designers he'd ever hired, and the man, literally, had to have his nose on the table when drawing.

Renowned for his wry humor he remarked,"I started to go blind so I became a draftsman."

Remarkable

[Paul Pless]

Jack,

I've read that article a few times and it reminds me of the following:

My father was an engineer and physicist, who had a stroke that nearly blinded him at age 70. He gave up cad/cam/cae and went back to working on paper. I would see him in his office at night with his nose to the drafting table. I heard comments from his contemporaries that his prints were flawless.

I remember when I was taking differential calculus and integral calculus in college I would ask for his help checking my work and he would work the solutions in his head. Amazing.

Paul

BTW, if Joe CSOH, is truly serious about catboats, how can he not want a Fenwick Williams designed cat.

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Paul, I am serious, But the hull on that one looks a little lumpy even with my vision. ;) He may have drawn a fair hull but t hat doesn't mean everyone he drew was built as fair.

[ 11-04-2004, 04:57 PM: Message edited by: Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson ) ]

[Hwyl]

Art Brendze ( who built Annie) told me a story abot Williams. Apparently FW had a hernia operation and did not like to talk about it. Art (much younger and cockier) said "So I hear you've been in hospital" -----"Yup, had my garboards re caulked"

[celiloman]

Fenwick Williams did some very fine work. I am the proud owner of a 1947 vintage FW 22' catboat. I will have to dig up some pics for Joe as I am considering letting it go to a good home. Kicker is, it is parked on the Columbia River in Hood River, Oregon. Needs a little work but is a fine boat and would look good on him!

[Spissgatter W-9]

Celiloman,
I'm in the neighborhood and would love to be considered. You can see my credentials at: http://homepage.mac.com/george_boggs/PhotoAlbum6.html I'm completing the restoration of a 1941 Norwegian Spissgatter. Regards
George