Latest news with #ScottishMaritimeMuseum
The National
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Scottish museum showcases importance of underwater archaeology
The Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine is hosting the Beneath The Waves exhibition until September. It is the result of a collaboration between maritime explorer Graeme Bruce, underwater photographer Lawson Wood and underwater artist Christina Riley. James McLean, senior curator at the museum, said: 'Eva Bukowska, our exhibition and events officer, organised it all. We have a rolling schedule of exhibitions, and this idea came together to highlight importance of underwater archaeology to Scotland. 'It shows the amazing marine life Scotland has to offer and you get a taste if you come down to the museum. We have such wonderful natural landscapes here and it really is something to be celebrated.' READ MORE: I tried to go to 10 Fringe shows in one day. Here's what happened McLean said working alongside the experts has paid off. He said: 'It was totally essential to work with them. We would do our own research and use some of our own material but we knew we wanted to speak to the experts in the field and highlight their work.' Among the main attractions are two rare ceramic bowls by Glasgow-based Bell's Pottery that were recovered from an 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Lamlash Bay in Arran by Graeme Bruce and his team in 2024. The ship sank in November 1859 after colliding with a sailing boat and it resulted in the loss of 11 lives. McLean said: 'It has also been popular due to Graeme Bruce allowing us to be the first place to show off his findings and people have wanted to come see them.' Photographer Wood has 60 years of underwater experience and more than 54 books published. Much of his work is on display at the exhibition and helps to reveal the world of marine life such as colourful tropical fish, seals and corals. Wood said: 'Eva came across me on Instagram, got in touch and asked me to submit photographs from our local waters to be a part of the exhibition. It was a delight and an honour to be invited to be a part of it.' Riley is an underwater artist who had already partnered with the museum through her permanent residence for her Nature Library that is open to public every Sunday to come see the themed books she has on offer. In 2022, she spent two weekends in residence at the Argyll Hope Spot which is a protected place that is a part of a global initiative by Mission Blue that highlights areas critical to the health of the ocean. She has written a book about her experience that will be out in November. Riley said: 'Eva and the team have put together this incredible exhibition together, it feels like you're walking underwater. 'It is fantastic, they are really celebrating how exciting the ocean is and that is the theme that I really want to focus on.' The museum said the exhibition has been received well, with many visitors excited to see a world they did not know much about. McLean said: 'The reception has been really positive, people have been really enjoying it. 'It's really popular, which has been helped by how much the local community has been interested in it. READ MORE: Flights cancelled and planes diverted at Scottish airport 'There is so much for people to see. I think people from looking at our photographs would have an awakening to the weird and wonderful colours of marine life around our shores.' Riley added: 'You never know what it could introduce you to because there is something for everyone. I just hope that people see something that they have never seen before or look at the ocean in a new way.' 'Here is another world of amazing creatures and colours, you don't have to go to warm tropical seas to get the amazing colours of marine life we have here. It is here for everybody to enjoy,' Woods said. Beneath the Waves also features artefacts from the museum's national maritime heritage collection and exhibits on loan from North Ayrshire Heritage Trust. Visitors can learn more about free diving and how it has advanced our understanding of marine archaeology and conservation. Riley added: 'Having these spaces where these things can be brought together and the public can see is great. People get to see something new, beautiful and exciting.' Entry to the exhibition is part of admission to the museum which is open daily from 10am-5pm. The exhibition runs until September 13.
Daily Record
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Irvine community enjoys 'Scales of the World' street procession and theatre
A theatrical performance, street procession and book launch was hosted at the Scottish Maritime Museum in partnership with The Nature Library. The Irvine Harbourside community came together to see 'Scales of the World', an electrifying theatrical performance, street procession and book launch hosted at the Scottish Maritime Museum in partnership with The Nature Library. The 'Scales of the World' event has been created by artist Alex Rigg and his colourful dance-theatre company Oceanallover, which captivated everyone through music, dance, costume, prose and poetry and invited them to explore their place in the world. The 'Scales of the World' event was also a celebration of the launch of a limited edition handbound book, written by Alex Rigg and bound by Gillian Stewart of Juju Books. The performance was led by a mythical reptilian being before returning to The Nature Library for a talk on the handbound book. The audience also enjoyed discounted admission to the Museum for the rest of the day. Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: "The Museum is always looking for exciting and innovative new ways to explore our maritime environment and heritage and this live performance by Oceanallover was wonderfully moving and thought-provoking. "We're grateful to Christina and The Nature Library, Alex Rigg and Oceanallover and Gillian Stewart of Juju Books for making this event happen. "We look forward to hosting similar events in the future." The Nature Library founder and creative artist, Christina Riley, added: "The Nature Library aims to celebrate the natural world at a time when it needs our attention the most, and Oceanallover and Juju Books certainly got our attention. "Not only did they bring a unique performance and exquisite book to Irvine, they also gathered the community together for a good story and I'm delighted that we could host it with the Scottish Maritime Museum. "I hope it's not the last time we have a cellist in the library." Oceanallover is a collaborative collective presenting imaginative work in unusual locations. Their subject matter is often linked to global, ecological and philosophical concerns, encouraging the public to look more deeply at who and what they are. The 'Scales of the World' project, which also includes an album, complements the Scottish Maritime Museum's Summer exhibition, 'Beneath the Waves', which also features work by The Nature Library founder and artist Christina Riley. 'Beneath the Waves', features award-winning underwater photography, underwater drawings and rare pottery recovered from a shipwreck off Arran, celebrates the extraordinary world beneath the ocean's surface. The Scottish Maritime Museum is open daily from 10am until 5pm. Up to three children go FREE with each Adult/Concession ticket.
Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scottish Maritime Museum announces international maritime concert
Zawisza Czarny, sea shanty choir from Poland and the Glasgow-based Solo Way Ukrainian Choir will celebrate the seafaring and folk traditions that unite countries across the world The Scottish Maritime Museum is "delighted" to announce that Zawisza Czarny, which is believed to be the largest male sea shanty choir from Poland and only crew of singing sailors in the world, and the all-female Glasgow-based Solo Way Ukrainian Choir will join together for an international maritime concert. The 'Echoes from the Deep' concert will take place on Friday, June 27 at 7.30pm in the museum's glass roofed Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside. This is the second time that Zawisza Czarny has performed at the Scottish Maritime Museum with the generous support of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh. Once a year, 50 'singing sailors' and crew members aged 20 to 88 years of age, board the 1952 three-masted staysail schooner Zawisza Czarny and sail to European ports to promote maritime traditions by performing as sailors would have aboard the great sailing ships of old. The choir performs classical shanties as they would have been sung whilst working on deck, with the division of vocal parts between shantyman and sailors. They also perform instrumental pieces which would have been played below deck during leisure time along with ceremonial songs and contemporary maritime folk. As well as promoting maritime heritage and building international relationships, Zawisza Czarny commemorates important events in the history of Polish naval and civilian shipping. This year, they mark the MS Piłsudski , a Polish troop carrier lost to enemy action off the UK coast in 1939. The Solo Way Ukrainian Choir was formed by Bozhena Yakymenko in November 2022. The choir was born from her desire to bring comfort through song to Ukrainian women who found refuge in Scotland after the Russian invasion. Under the expert direction of Bozhena, who is a gifted bandura player and musician, the choir has quickly built a diverse and rich repertoire of over thirty songs. These range from the heartfelt melodies of traditional Ukrainian folk tunes, carrying generations of musical heritage, to vibrant contemporary hits, including popular Eurovision songs. Today, Solo Way Ukrainian Choir is a powerful voice of resilience and hope and the group performs at charity concerts and commemorative events, using music to bridge cultures and heal hearts. Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: "Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience authentic maritime and folk music performed by two choirs whose stories embody the spirit of international friendship and the enduring power of song to connect us across cultures and seas. "From the haunting calls of traditional shanties that once echoed across ship decks to the powerful harmonies that sustained sailors through long voyages, Zawisza Czarny promises to transport everyone back to the golden age of sail. "Their songs also perfectly complement our collection of maritime heritage and the setting of the Linthouse building, which was once a shipyard engine shed in Govan. "The Solo Way Ukrainian Choir is named after the Ukrainian word for nightingale - 'solovey' – a cherished bird which symbolises hope and pure, beautiful singing in Ukrainian culture and that's a perfect reflection of the choir's spirit. "Born from resilience and a shared heritage, the choir is a truly unique and inspiring ensemble. "Altogether, this evening of music and song with Zawisza Czarny and Solo Way Ukrainian Choir promises to be unforgettable and early booking is highly recommended!" Tickets priced £16.50 are available on the museum's website here.
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Record
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.
Glasgow Times
07-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow pottery found in shipwreck goes on display
Names like Deltfield in Anderston, The Caledonian Pottery and Bell's Pottery were just some of the companies producing stoneware, earthenware and bone china using locally sourced clays. Their products travelled the globe but have almost been forgotten since the kilns closed down and the buildings were demolished. Pottery class, Glasgow, 1952 (Image: Newsquest) A little piece of Glasgow history is returning, however, as a collection of rare 19th century ceramics recovered from a shipwreck go on display for the first time. The Beneath the Waves exhibition, which goes on show in the Scottish Maritime Museum's Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside from today (June 7) will include the pottery salvaged from the wreck of the 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Lamlash Bay in Arran las year. The exhibition brings together the historic ceramic collection, award-winning underwater photography and an artist's detailed marine sketches to celebrate the extraordinary world beneath the ocean's surface. A washing bowl made by Bell's Pottery, retrieved from the SS Eagle (Image: Beneath the Waves) The SS Eagle ceramics, which were discovered by Oban-based diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce and team in July 2024, were made by Glasgow's Bell's Pottery. Established by brothers John and Matthew Perston Bell in late 1840 or 1841, it is recognised as arguably the most internationally significant producer of ceramic wares in Scotland at the time. It sat at the corner of Stafford Street and Pulteney Street, close to the Forth and Clyde Canal which was used to transport goods and raw materials. Graeme Bruce (Image: Beneath the Waves) According to the Scottish Pottery Society, Bell's Pottery export wares have been found as far afield as South America, the Far East, Australia and Canada. The last piece of Bell's Pottery was probably made around 1912. The SS Eagle collection features ceramics destined for trade and exhibition in Londonderry, Northern Island, and artefacts from the ship's galley. A piece of Bell's Pottery ceramic ware (Image: Beneath the Waves) Exhibits include seven plates and a bowl, a teapot lid and two bottles which still hold 'sparkling water' in addition to a decanter and bell. 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. Eva Bukowska, exhibitions and events officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: 'We are really excited to host the first showing of these fascinating ceramics recovered from SS Eagle. "The vessel also has a significance for the Museum as it was built by Alexander Denny, who was the brother of William Denny, whose test tank is now home to our second collection in Dumbarton.' The SS Eagle was acquired by the McConnel and Laird Line of Glasgow in June 1859 for service as a passenger and cargo vessel. Just five months later, on November 28, 1859, it sank after colliding with a sailing boat, the Pladda, while en route from Glasgow to Londonderry. Eleven lives were lost. Graeme Bruce added: 'Diving has been my great passion for 35 years. 'For me, a shipwreck is a 'time capsule' hidden from view over time by the sea. The privilege of being able to explore and connect with the past is beyond description. 'Enabling the artefacts from shipwrecks like this Bell's Pottery collection to then have a new life on show for everyone to learn from and appreciate is so important.' Beneath the Waves has been curated in collaboration with renowned underwater photographer, marine conservationist and writer Lawson Wood; diver, maritime explorer and retired engineer Graeme Bruce; and Ayrshire underwater artist and writer Christina Riley. It runs until September 13.
