A builder’s model of the Brazilian passenger paddle steamer Caxias built by Hepple, South Shields, 1912

A builder’s model of the Brazilian passenger paddle steamer Caxias built by Hepple, South Shields, 1912, with a 24in. laminated and carved hull finished in pink below the waterline with grey topsides, lined paddle boxes with gilt paddle wheels, white-lined decks with gilt fittings as appropriate, lined passenger accommodation, boxwood hatches, anchor winch, companionway, top deck with promenade with benches and gilt wire railing with lifebuoys, the roof with stayed funnel with logo, whistle, navigation lamps, mast with standing rigging and navigation light, mounted on four turned silvered columns on a raised plush-lined display board in a glazed mahogany case.  English, 1912.

Thomas Hepple had a millwright’s business at Mitford, Northumberland and came to Coble Dene, North Shields, where he set up in partnership with Richard Landells in the early 1850s.  They devoted much of their attention to the building tugs as ocean going vessels and gained many orders from the Crown Agents for the Colonies.  After a while Hepple recognised the growing market for steam trawlers. He purchased land known as Stainton’s Foundry at South Shields and then concentrated on building up a reputation as a steam trawler builder as well as the tugs.  The press cutting is from Lloyd’s List from 15/08/1912.