Full hull model of the Brixham trawler 'Valerian' launched in 1923. Built at a scale of 1:32, the model is fully rigged with tanned sails and complete with the various deck fittings such as a steam capstan, windlass and beam trawl. It is inscribed with the port registration markings ‘BM161’ on either side of the bow as well as on the mainsail. ‘Valerian’ is painted just under the gunwale capping on either side of the bow and also in the counter at the stern.

The ‘Valerian’ was one of the last big sailing trawlers to be built at Brixham after the First World War, when an attempt was made to revive the fishing industry there. Constructed and launched by J.W. & A. Upham, it measured 78 feet in length by 18 feet in the beam and was 39 tons registered. It was said that these vessels were as near as perfect as it was possible to be for a job that demanded exceptional seakeeping qualities, great power under sail to tow the heavy beam trawl, ability to beat to windward in a heavy sea, and the speed necessary to get the catch swiftly to the nearest market. The beam trawl can be seen on the model stowed in its traditional position on the port side, aft of the mainmast shrouds.