The following text is reproduced from a forthcoming notice in the next edition of the Langport Leveller with thanks to Janet Seaton.
Artists Seila Fernandez Arconada and Jethro Brice are working on a project with community groups in the Langport area, to recreate this iconic local boat – a flat-bottomed craft valued for its stability in a changeable landscape. Please get in touch if you have information, stories or pictures relating to the traditional Somerset Flatner and its smaller cousins, the Turf boat, Withy boat and Flattie. We are interested in collecting local memories to flesh out what we know from museums and archives – and perhaps even finding an original boat in somebody’s barn!
For more information about the project please visit http://www.some-when.co.uk.
Contact us on somewhenproject@gmail.com
![Mannering, J (2008), The directory of inshore craft: Traditional working vessels of the British Isles, Barnsley, Seaforth Publishing, [distributor] Pen & Sword Books Ltd](https://s0mewhen.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/somersetflatboat03-e1407314226365.jpg)
Mannering, J (2008), The directory of inshore craft: Traditional working vessels of the British Isles, Barnsley, Seaforth Publishing, Pen & Sword Books Ltd
I have visited Watchet Boat Museum where they have both old and I believe a new Flatner they built. There is a lot on their website, both pictures and comments. Have you somewhere to build the Flatner, a person I know did talk to me about offering a space to build it. David Martin.
Dear David,
thank you for your comments. We were at the Watchet Boat Museum on Tuesday, where we met Bruce of ‘Friends of the Flatner’ saw their incredible collection, and picked up some detailed plans. A highlight were the turf and withy boats, which are closest to the model we will be looking to build. We are still seeking a place to build the Flatner, and people interested in helping with the design and construction.