Figurehead of the HMS Bellerophon

Description: This figurehead replaced one of the Duke of Wellington on the ship formerly known as HMS 'Waterloo'. Unlike the 1786 figurehead of 'Bellerophon', this bust is much simpler. It is a portrayal of the Greek hero, 'Bellerophon', a warrior. He fought the Chimera and also caught the winged horse Pegasus, using Minerva’s magic. The male figure wears a black and gold plumed helmet and gold and black armour.
Maker: Hellyer
Date made: 1824
Place made: Portsmouth
Size
Materials: Wood
Object history: This figurehead replaced the former HMS Waterloo’s Duke of Wellington in 1824.
Vessel history: HMS 'Bellerophon' was originally named HMS 'Talavera' and then renamed HMS 'Waterloo' in 1818, the year of her launch. Built in Portsmouth Dockyard she was not fitted out until 1836 her name having been changed to 'Bellerophon' in 1824. She joined the Mediterranean fleet serving in the Syria Campaign in 1840 bombarding the city of Acre. During the Crimea War she took part in the bombardment of Sevastopol. The ship was decommissioned in 1855 and went on to become a receiving ship the following year after her return to Portsmouth. HMS 'Bellerophon' was sold and broken up by J. Read of Portsmouth in 1892.
Bibliography: David Pulvertaft ‘The Warship Figureheads of Portsmouth’ (Stroud, 2009) p.46
Admiralty Catalogue(1911) No 341

Owner type: Public Institution
Owner name: National Museum of the Royal Navy
Contact details: National Museum of the Royal Navy, HM Naval Base (PP66), Portsmouth PO1 3NH
Ownership can be cited online: Yes
Accessible to public: Yes
Data verified by owner: No
Date verified

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