Art / luke jerram
New homes for Luke Jerram’s boats
Withdrawn, the striking installation by Bristol artist Luke Jerram that has seen a group of fishing boats stationed deep in Leigh Woods over the summer, finishes this weekend: but the tale is far from over for the show’s quintet of boats.
With the installation coming to a close on Sunday September 6, Jerram has donated all five boats to community groups and worthy causes around Bristol and the South West.
Jerram’s installation, launched with the help of Leigh Woods’ joint managers the National Trust and the Forestry Commission, has surprised and excited audiences since opening in April, as part of Bristol’s year as European Green Capital.
The installation of five abandoned fishing boats, set within a woodland glade, was designed to challenge people’s views on the impact of over-fishing and marine pollution on the future of our planet and ecosystem.
The boats have hosted events including cinema nights, theatre performances, academic talks and discussions, walks, storytelling and choral performances. With hundreds of visitors for each event, and visits from the general public on a daily basis, the art installation has been seen by over 25,000 attendees.
Now, as the exhibition comes to a close, the installation will be taken apart and the boats transported to their new homes to serve as props, pirate-ship playgrounds, community spaces and a local bar.
The largest of the boats, the Seahorse, will be converted into a children’s play area being put together by a community group at Washingpool Farm in Easter Compton. Elsewhere, Grey Gull (pictured) will find its new home in Southville’s popular Old Bookshop bar, whose owner has plans to cut the boat in half and turn it into a cocktail bar.
Joanne-Marie will travel the furthest of all the boats, to the Brocksmoor Hotel in Cornwall. The smallest boat, Martha, is destined for the playground at Victoria Park Primary School in Bedminster. Finally, Gloria Jean will become a pirate ship feature in the meadows of Iron Acton, South Gloucestershire. Village organisation Acton Aid intend to use the boat as an extension of the local children’s play area.
The boats will begin their disassembly and trips across the South West on Monday September 7, the day after the exhibition closes.
is needed now More than ever
For more info, visit lukejerram.com/withdrawn
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