By Two new commemorative exhibitions open at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre
Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre has two new exhibitions commemorating the town’s connections between Iceland, The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, and Billingsgate Fish Market.
The exhibitions were opened today, Thursday 9th June, where short speeches by the Icelandic Ambassador, Sturla Sigurjonsson, Young’s CEO, Simon Smith, Mayor of the borough, Steve Beasant, and various representatives from the Heritage Centre.
The immersive exhibition features a walk-through of history regarding Grimsby’s vibrant past, including various works and images showing a bustling ‘cod wars’ era port.
The Icelandic Ambassador, Sturla Sigurjónsson, and Embassy representatives attended the opening.
A selection of cartoons from the era of the “Cod Wars”, feature in the exhibition which will highlight the special relationship that has been made between Grimsby and the people of Iceland.
London’s Worshipful Company of Fishmongers presented a copy of the oldest surviving Company Charter from 1547 to the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, the charter was on display in the exhibition.
The Fishmongers Company will this year celebrate its 750th anniversary.
Billingsgate Fish Market, Britain’s largest inland fish market, has prolonged links with Great Grimsby and its fishing and processing sectors.
There are images on display from the market at the exhibition.
The event marked the opening of two new, free exhibitions at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre on Thursday 9 June: Sea to Sale and Fish ‘n’ Quips.
Sea to Sale explores the historical connections between Grimsby and the famous Billingsgate Fish Market.
Fish ‘n’ Quips explores the events of the First and Second Cod Wars with a display of over 40 satirical newspaper cartoons.
Sturla Sigurjónsson, Ambassador of Iceland to the United Kingdom, said: “Despite the jocular term Cod Wars, these conflicts had serious implications. For Iceland, control and sustainable harvesting of fish stocks was a matter of national economic survival.
“For the UK, the longstanding way of life of whole communities, not least in Grimsby, was at stake. However, strong feelings at the time never diminished the mutual respect and affinity felt on both sides.
“This is reflected in the contemporary drawings and the relationship between the two countries today.”
At the exhibition, there is also a copy of the Queen’s first official portrait on display, which will be in place until the end of the year. The original portrait hangs in the Fishmonger’s Hall in London.
Only two copies of the original portrait have been made for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Councillor Tom Furneaux, the portfolio holder for culture, heritage, and the visitor economy, said: “It is wonderful to reinforce the historic connections and friendships between Great Grimsby, the Icelandic Community, the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, and Billingsgate Fish Market.
This exhibition brings us together again, at different times, to reflect upon our shared heritage. It is our pleasure to host this exhibition, opened with Icelandic Ambassador Sturla Sigurjónsson, representatives from the Fishmongers Company in their 750th year, and Billingsgate Fish Market.”
David Ornsby, operations manager at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, said it was a privilege to welcome the Ambassador of Iceland and Embassy representatives to the centre, which remembers Great Grimsby’s fishermen and the vital role they played for the town.
“We promote our rich local heritage, but equally important is to acknowledge and celebrate the connections and friendships that we enjoy today as a result of our past”, said David.
Louise Bowen, collections officer at the centre, who has helped put the exhibition together, said: “We are delighted to have secured generous loans from the Fishmongers Company and the Embassy of Iceland for these exhibitions. The replica of the 1272 Royal Charter and copy of the famous Pietro Annigoni of Queen Elizabeth II from the Fishmongers Company are stunning objects which tell a very important story.
The collection of over 40 Cod War cartoons from the Embassy of Iceland provides a unique insight into a significant part of our mutual history. We are grateful to both organisations for loaning these objects to be enjoyed by our visitors. They will sit alongside objects from our fantastic collection of ship models and artwork.”
The exhibition will run from Thursday 9 June until the end of December between 10 am and 4 pm, on Mondays, admission is free.
The exhibition is in unison with several events that have been put on by the local organisation, CatZero over several weeks between May and June to celebrate Grimsby’s fishing industry.
