Tracing arm part of Ben Lexcen's planimeter set
Datec 1970
Object number00055064
NamePlanimeter
MediumMetal, plastic
DimensionsOverall: 35 × 250 × 85 mm
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionDesigners have a number of drafting tools avialble for the process of drawing a set of plans by hand and making the calculations from the drawings.
Many designers are also accomplished artists and have a flair for drawing and or painting.HistoryBen Lexcen (formerly Bob Miller) 1936-1988 was one of Australia’s principle yacht designers from the 1960s until his death in 1988. He created a number of revolutionary and unorthodox designs and gained International respect. The ocean racing yachts MERCEDES III, APOLLO and GINGKO were amongst his most significant designs, along with the IYRU Contender Class single handed dinghy, and the 18-foot skiffs TAIPAN and VENOM. He was the designer of America’s Cup boats from 1974 until 1987, including SOUTHERN CROSS and AUSTRALIA and was the designer for AUSTRALIA II which won the America's Cup in 1983, a major National and International sporting achievement.
His career began under the name Bob Miller, and formed a sail making and design partnership with Craig Whitworth during the 1960s called Miller & Whitworth, which lasted until the mid-1970s. At that time he changed his name to Ben Lexcen, and had a brief design partnership with Johan Valentjin to design AUSTRALIA KA5 and other yachts. This was disbanded around 1978, and he worked under the Lexcen name with a small staff based in his home at David Place Seaforth. After the design of AUSTRALIA II for the 1983 America’s Cup win he established a drawing office which included Peter Lowe as a senior partner. This became Lexcen Lowe Design and a few years after he died it became Peter Lowe Design.
SignificanceThese artefacts are the personal collection of drawing and painting instruments and tools owned and used by Ben Lexcen. It includes two planimeters for measuring areas easily, and the paints he used for his hobby pursuit of painting.
