Art angles for public support of fishing industry

But stringent Government measures and European bureaucracy has seen their voices begin to fade, as the fishing port’s heritage comes under increasing strain.

Now, saddened by the state of the town’s beleaguered fishing industry, a local artist has launched a specially-focused exhibition, which pushes the issue firmly into the spotlight.

Backed by celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s Fish Fight campaign, the Whitby Fishing Today exhibition is the brainchild of Dave Jeffery, the former owner of the Forge Gallery in Robin Hood’s Bay.

It features works from 14 prominent Northern artists, including Kane Cunningham and Andrew Cheetham, from Scarborough, and the Mayor of Whitby, Coun John Freeman, who owns a gallery in Whitby.

Mr Jeffery, whose paintings also feature in the exhibition, said: “The fishing industry, with its enormous toiling, the constant balancing act between conservation and sustainable fish stocks, plus the inherent dangers, is under grave threat.

“I’m hoping the exhibition will create an awareness among the general public and political organisations, that the fishing industry is important to Whitby and that if it is to continue, it needs assistance and understanding.

“I feel there’s a chasm between those who enjoy eating fish and the people who catch it. The exhibition will hopefully bridge that gap, giving fish-eaters an understanding of what goes into landing their favourite catch.

“Another aim of the exhibition is to attempt to turn people onto enjoying sustainable fish, other than the traditional cod, that could readily be landed in Whitby.”

A resident of Whitby for 11 years, Mr Jeffery also hopes it will act as a way of sealing a memory of the fishing industry in the town as it is today. “Through the exhibiting artists I want to depict the current working life of the industry for both local people and visitors. Also for posterity,” he added.

The art on display includes an eclectic mix of paintings, photography and ceramics, which reflect the deep sea fishing industry.

Summing up some of the work, Mr Jeffery said: “A variety of poignant images in oil, water colour and batik of the Whitby fishing fleet in port and at sea and the Whitby trawler building industry have been created by local artists.

“The exhibition also features photographer Ian Macdonald of Grosmont. Ian’s black and white photographs portray the reality of a working day in the life of Whitby fishermen, captured on camera on board a vessel at sea.

“Prominent artists Len Tabner from Boulby in Cleveland, and Scarborough artists Kane Cunningham and Andrew Cheetham all have experience of coming up close with the North Sea and exhibit stark and stunning images of the fishing industry and the dramatic North East coastline.”

The exhibition has received major backing from the town’s fishing industry, with Parkol Marine Engineering Ltd, and the owners of Whitby Fishing trawlers Emulate II and The Good Intent III, listed amongst the main sponsors.

The Dowager Marchioness of Normanby and Fusco’s Ltd, the company behind two well-known fish and chip restaurants in Whitby, have also lent their support, while volunteers from across the town have helped stage the event.

Mr Jeffery said: “There’s still an industry here. From talking to people in the industry, the fleet is not what it was but it’s still there and there are still families who are providing work and employing people in Whitby. They are carrying on that tradition that we have the fish and chip shop on one hand and the fish industry that supplies them on the other. It would be a shame for that connection to disappear altogether.

“That’s one of the problems with the situation we are facing. It will be fish and chips in Whitby, but not from Whitby. The fishing industry needs some kind of support in many ways. Fishermen, skippers and trawlermen have problems and they need help and assistance.”

Recognising the importance of the exhibition, the management committee at the art gallery has agreed to donate 10 per cent of its commission fees from sales of the artwork to the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.

“It’s the lifeblood of the town and it would be hard to imagine Whitby without a fishing industry,” said Mr Jeffery.

The exhibition is being staged at The Pannett Art Gallery until October 16.