Follow the herring

A coat for a boat

A coat for a boat

I really shouldn’t be here this evening but today I found a “must share”.  The ‘Follow the Herring’ exhibition of knitting and crafts is travelling down the east coast of England and today I caught a preview in Hartlepool Art Gallery.

How do you knit a coat for a boat?  The coble boat, made by the North East Maritime Trust, will be at the centre of each exhibition, brought to life with locally made artwork.

The waves, beneath the boat

A travelling show, ‘Get up and Tie your Fingers’, uses the background of the 1881 Eyemouth Fishing Disaster to tell the story of the ‘herring lassies’ who followed the fishing fleets down the coast to meet the catch at each port of call. With knives at the ready and strips of cloths tied around their thumbs and forefingers to protect from the blades, they gutted, salted, and barrelled the ‘silver darlings’, the bountiful herring that were destined for markets across the world. Sometimes at the cost of their menfolk’s lives.

Knitted sail detail
The herring!

The herring!

A friendly gull

A friendly gull

Safety first!

Safety first!

The wave of herring

The wave of herring

A wooden ‘wave’ has been constructed and at each venue a section of local handiwork is added. The exhibition set off from Musselburgh in Scotland and the shoal will be beautifully and creatively increased by the time it reaches Hastings on 3rd July.

Departing from Musselburgh

Departing from Musselburgh

More details about the exhibition and the show can be found on this link to The Customs House.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Sea glass

Sea glass window contributed by students at Catcote Academy

An amazing collection of work, isn’t it?  You can even download a ‘Follow the herring’ knitting pattern and join in on the website.

But my favourite exhibit has to be the boat

My favourite exhibit just has to be the coble

I probably won’t be able to respond to many of your comments until I return from the Algarve next week.  The laptop is going into rehab, but I thought that this was a nice way to leave you.

 

122 comments

  1. Wonderful … herring on of my favorite fish … we eat loads of it over here in Sweden, pan fried, salted, pickled .. you name we eat it. What an amazing post – the story telling … and the colors in your images. This is a true magical explosion. What an amazing job they have do to make this exhibition. Thanks a million for sharing.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi Vivi 🙂 Lovely to have you here 🙂 I have about 10 mins before I need to shut the laptop and go. It went in for rehab this morning but just needs a new battery. It can have a rest here at home while I’m restless elsewhere 🙂 Thank you for all your lovely comments. I’ve read through them but don’t have time for individual replies right now. I have butterflies already. I always do when I’m going away. Much love and hugs to you. Hope you’re feeling fabulous! I’ll catch up with you in a week. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

      1. A couple of hugs for the hand luggage – have a fab time and already looking forward to having you back home. Travel safe. *smile

        Like

  2. A lovely way to leave us it is with this fascinating exhibition. Have a super time away Jo and I look forward to taking more walks with you when you return. Think of us back here in rainy England won’t you? Maybe you could bring back some sunshine… 😀 xx

    Like

    Reply

    1. I’m so glad I managed to catch it, Sherri. 🙂 yes, it is a bit wet, but I think you have much better to come. I’ll keep fingers crossed for you. Bye for now!

      Like

      Reply

  6. That’s very unique exhibition. The photos are awesome Jo, showing the creativity of the artists 🙂 Thanks for sharing the info! cheers and have a great Wednesday!

    Like

    Reply

      1. Thank you Jo! And you too – have a wonderful trip Jo, trust there will lots of sunshine when you arrive 😉
        I will be off in two days until the end of the month. Most likely I won’t be online too often in Indonesia but for sure I will keep posted and visit your blog while I can 🙂 cheers and until next post!!

        Like

    1. Absolutely brilliant, isn’t it, Viv? It’s heading to Hull next and then down to Norfolk so I think you’ll miss it. When do you arrive? The dates are in the link to The Custom House.
      Thank you 🙂

      Like

      Reply

      2. Oh, darn! Am I going to miss you? Are you here a week? Will try to arrange something if you’re up to it but we’re not back till late next Wednesday. It was a last minute super cheap booking 🙂

        Like

    1. Hooray for the camera, Meg 🙂 I’ll be out of touch for a while but will squeeze in an update with you before I go. Still have to print boarding passes, throw a few bits in a bag, iron and go to t’ai chi this morning. (I’ll need the latter 🙂 )

      Like

      Reply

  9. I’m appreciative of these examples of knitted creations because I never had the gift to knit. I was the queen of dropping stitches in my knitting class, and I’m not kidding! I’m in love with the sea glass window…amazing creativity. Glad you shared.

    Like

    Reply

  14. Jo, that’s simply GORGEOUS !!! Speaking as a very amateur knitter and crocheter, my eyes bulge at the skill there – not to mention the beauty …
    Thanks so much for this !

    Like

    Reply

    1. Glad you saw it, M-R 🙂 I didn’t expect you because I thought you were taking a break (which I should be doing in the next couple of hours 🙂 ) I used to knit and crochet, but never with this level of skill or humour. Makes me want to start again. Maybe on an Algarve beach 🙂 🙂 Take care!

      Like

      Reply

    1. I’m planning to go to Saltburn when I get back, Meredith, because I understand the yarn bombers have been festooning the pier again (World Cup theme, I gather- not really me, but good for a laugh) :). A walking friend reminded me about this on Monday otherwise it would have passed me by! So clever and just pure colourful delight 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. Phew! I was going at full gallop, Cathy, but glad I made time. It was beautiful 🙂 I’ve only got a couple of hours with my laptop then it will be wrenched away from me. Think I’ll need some time to chill when I get to you know where 🙂 Take good care, love!

      Like

      Reply

    1. I nearly missed it, Jude! It’s only on a few days and a walking friend jogged my memory while we were out on Monday. I just had to nip in for half hour on my way to Asda to stock up for the boy while we’re away. No doubt there’ll be a pizza party at ours this weekend, but I won’t be here to see (or hear 🙂 )
      Brilliant, isn’t it!

      Like

      Reply

    1. Hi Jill 🙂 I haven’t gone yet, or ironed or packed or done anything useful! I leave at teatime today but the laptop is going into the computer shop very soon. Help!!! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Sue 🙂 Funny enough, a walking friend mentioned the exhibit on Monday and I just had to squeeze it in because it’ll be gone at the weekend. Another of the benefits of walking 🙂

      Like

      Reply

      1. So great to hear about opportunities Jo. I had an. Email yesterday from a hiking friend who said the flowers are blooming out in the mountains. Hoping to check that out this weekend so I totally know what you mean. 🙂

        Like

Leave a reply to Gallivanta Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.