17-06-2025
North Ayrshire Provost officially opens Scottish Maritime Museum's summer exhibition
'Beneath the Waves' brings together a historic ceramic collection recovered from the shipwrecked SS Eagle by Graeme Bruce, award-winning photography by Lawson Wood and detailed marine sketches by Christina Riley.
North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson officially opened the Scottish Maritime Museum's summer exhibition, 'Beneath the Waves'.
The Provost joined Matthew Bellhouse Moran, Executive Director, and Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer of the Scottish Maritime Museum to mark the opening of the colourful exhibition which celebrates the extraordinary world beneath the ocean's surface.
Also present were exhibition collaborators Oban-based diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce, renowned underwater photographer, marine conservationist and writer Lawson Wood and Ayrshire underwater artist and writer Christina Riley.
The exhibition is the first time that the collection of rare 19 th century ceramics recovered from the 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Lamlash Bay, Arran, last year, have been on public display.
The ceramics were made by Glasgow-based Bell's Pottery. In the 19 th century, Glasgow was a major centre for the production of ceramics and Bell's Pottery was arguably the most internationally significant producer of ceramic wares in Scotland at that time.
Lawson Wood's award-winning photography reveals the captivating world of marine life and ranges from colourful tropical fish and seals to corals and anemone.
Christina Riley's work focuses on the small details of complex and beautiful marine ecosystems. The exhibition features a selection of photographs and pencil drawings created during her time as a snorkelling-artist-in-residence at the Argyll Hope Spot.
Part of the global Mission Blue initiative led by the renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, the Hope Spots project highlights areas critical to the health of the ocean. Other Hope Spots include the Galapagos Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
Complementing the SS Eagle ceramics, 'Beneath the Waves' also features cups and plates from the Scottish Maritime Museum's own national maritime heritage collection as well as four vessels dating back to the Roman Empire on loan from North Ayrshire Heritage Centre.
Visitors can also learn more about free diving and how this ancient practice has advanced our understanding of marine archaeology and conservation.
Admission to 'Beneath the Waves' is included in museum admission.
The museum is open daily 10am – 5pm. Up to three children go FREE with each Adult/Concession ticket.
