Miniature Naval History Exhibition Anchors at Fremantle's WA Shipwrecks Museum
Fremantle is currently hosting a remarkable display of naval power, presented in an intricately detailed miniature format. The WA Shipwrecks Museum has launched a captivating exhibition featuring more than 170 model ships meticulously crafted by Gerry Westenberg, offering a unique exploration of 4,000 years of maritime history through scaled-down replicas.
Spanning Millennia of Seafaring Evolution
The exhibition, titled Naval Sea Power In Miniature, traces the fascinating evolution of seafaring from ancient civilizations to contemporary times. It brings together iconic vessels and pivotal moments that have shaped exploration, cruising, trade, conflict, and discovery across the ages. The collection ranges from the ancient Egyptian Cheops royal barge to Tudor-era ships like the Mary Rose, Columbus's Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria, as well as modern marvels such as the RMS Queen Mary and the British airship R101.
Notably, the display includes significant Royal Australian Navy ships, including the Sydney (I–V), Canberra, Anzac (I), and Arunta, showcased alongside legendary Royal Navy vessels like Dreadnought, Hood, and Ark Royal. Each model is crafted at a precise 1/192 scale, demonstrating Westenberg's exceptional attention to detail and historical accuracy.
A Lifelong Passion for Model-Making
Gerry Westenberg's journey into model-making began in his childhood, when he used savings from his paper round to purchase Airfix kits. He quickly progressed from adapting commercial kits—such as converting an HMS Ajax into HMAS Perth—to fully scratch-building ships from balsa wood. Over the years, he has completed more than 180 models, each representing countless hours of research and craftsmanship.
WA Museum Boola Bardip CEO Alec Coles praised the collection, stating, "Gerry's models are remarkable for their precision and scope. Created over 50 years, the collection is the culmination of Gerry's tireless research, craftsmanship and dedication. It is a privilege to be able to show them." This exhibition marks the fourth iteration of Naval Sea Power In Miniature and the first to be presented by the museum in partnership with Westenberg himself.
Exhibition Details and Community Support
The free exhibition opened at the WA Shipwrecks Museum, located at 47 Cliff Street in Fremantle, on February 24 and will run through July 26. This immersive experience is supported by the D. G. Myers Fund and the Foundation for the WA Museum, highlighting the community's commitment to preserving and sharing maritime heritage. Visitors can explore this miniature naval world, gaining insights into the technological and historical advancements that have defined seafaring across millennia.
