Bill Keeping
Bill came to the
Market at the end of the season in 2007. He brought with him schooners
that he had built. They were a major hit in the model ship
world.
Bill was born in
Forture Bay, Newfoundland, Canada and was raised on Cape Breton Island in Nova
Scotia.
He was called after his father who was an engineer and a master model ship
builder. He learned his skill of model ship building from the endless
hours of watching and listening to his dad. His ships are made in the way
his father made them by using hand tools so that he can get the feel of the wood
and the proper curves to each model ship that he builds. All his
models are made from kiln dried pine which is purchased on Cape Breton Island.
Ten years ago he started building model ships in a serious manner. Prior
to that he had spent time in the army and nine and a half years deep sea dragger
fishing. He has a passion for schooners and other ships and will not turn
down a challenge to make other models.
His wife, Mary, is his greatest supporter and cuts and hems the sails for every
model ship that he builds and even does some of the painting. He can
assure you that each and every model he builds is originally hand crafted and
built with the love of the sea.
When Bill came to the Market last season he realized that we are right across
the street from the " Ship Hector". Before the Market closed for the
season, Bill had acquired a set of plans for the Hector and now they are in the
Market. They have become a very big attraction.
Bill is also a member of the Maritime Model Ship Builders Guild.
Please stop by and see Bill and the Hector and ask any questions you may
have about his craft.
You may contact him at
(902) 485-6801
