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SUMMER 2023

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Friends, Foes and Good Companions

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Friends, Foes and Good Companions


Grimsby Heritage Centre has opened a new Exhibition last month exploring the relations between Grimsby and Iceland through conflict, cooperation, and fish & chips!


The ‘Friends, Foes and Good Companions’ exhibition, by award-winning artist Olivier Kugler and writer Andrew Humphreys, recalls the intense relationship between Grimsby and Iceland throughout the infamous Cod Wars. The story is told through drawings and interviews with people who worked in the fishing industry at the time of the conflict, both on and off the ships including; current and past fishermen, fishmongers, politicians, Icelandic crewmembers and chip shop owners.


While there were no major battles per se, the 'war' is known for its impact on the fishing industries of Britain and Iceland over the 20th century. The effects of this conflict can still be seen today in the Exclusive Economic Zones for each country. The cutting of British trawler lines, Icelandic coastguards taking on the Royal Navy, both live & blank rounds being fired, this industry-defining war has plenty of interesting details that make this exhibition well worth visiting!


Commissioned by the Imperial War Museum's IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund in partnership with Grimsby-based Our Big Picture and supported by Arts Council England, the exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in fishing heritage as well as national history in general. The significance of the Cod Wars on the lives of Grimbarians, present and past, cannot be understated.


Paula Denton, CEO of Our Big Picture said “Through this project we have made new friends from the wider fishing community and have enabled unheard voices of our industrial heritage to be heard. Together we have reflected on conflict and the tremendous comradery between Grimsby and Iceland and how today this is still built on a deep-rooted respect. This project feels like we have only just scratched the surface and at the start of an incredible journey of connection and understanding”


Alongside the exhibition, Olivier and Andrew will be working with Our Big Picture to bring other heritage activities to Northern Lincolnshire like school sessions, family workshops and a specially made art trail around fishing industry landmarks across the town. Keeping our history alive and passing on these stories to future generations is an important part of the continued development in the town, after all knowing where we come from can help us figure out where we're going.


The exhibition is available to visit Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm until the 20th of August 2023, for more information you can go to the Fishing Heritage Centre or visit their website at: www.fishingheritage.com/


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Photo Credits:

Dan Clarke

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