Whole model, scale 1:32, rigged, of the three-masted clipper schooner 'John Wesley' (1867), unsigned, British, 1867-1908. The model was rigged in the Science Museum, Workshops, South Kensington, London, England, 1910.

The full-size schooner John Wesley was built by Alexander Hall & Co. at their Footdee shipyard in Aberdeen. It was launched on the 1st April 1867 and was approximately 118 feet long. Named after the 18th century evangelist John Wesley, it was described as a Missionary Ship – meaning it’s ‘cargo’ were missionaries, travelling out to Pacific Islands to spread Christianity. It’s first owner is listed as being the Reverand Elijah Hoole of the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society, London.

In 1879, the John Wesley was damaged in storms near the Solomon Islands. Taken to Sydney for repairs it subsequently changed owners – and function – by becoming a more conventional trading vessel for the remainder of its active life.

This 1:32 scale model is believed to have been built after the original had launched. In 1910 it was rigged, or re-rigged, at the Science Museum’s workshops in South Kensington, London, England. Between 1963 until their closure in 2012 it was displayed in the museum’s Shipping Gallery. It is now displayed in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries.