Weather vane, Donlellan

Image: © Maigheach-gheal Taken: 27 Mar 2010

Weather vanes have always been more than just a wind direction device. Created by skilled craftsman, there is true artistic expression in the varied designs. Initially wood vanes were carved by carpenters or furniture makers, and iron, copper and tin ones were forged by the local blacksmith or tinsmith. In the 19th century weather vanes started to be mass-produced from moulds. Because the Victorians were fond of ornament, by the 19th century, these silhouette weathervanes began to take on a wider range of subjects, from exotic animals, mythical creatures, sporting motifs, and even trade signs. Wrought iron finally gave way to the easily mass-produced cast iron vane. Unfortunately, this meant not only that the copper weathervane maker was becoming obsolete, but also that the unique character of the hand-made weathervane was being discarded for reasons of cost efficiency and repeatability. This vane just sums-up Scotland.

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