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SUMMER 2023

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Grim to Stand Tall Once Again

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Grim to Stand Tall Once Again


After almost 17 years in hiding, the lost statue of Grim and Havelock will stand proud once again, celebrating its 50th birthday.


The iconic symbol of Grimsby’s origin could be found on Nunns Corner between 1973 and 2006, until it was placed in protection due to repeated vandalism.


Now, two local businesses have joined forces to resurrect the sculpture, and to tell the story of the Viking fisherman and young heir to the Danish throne who founded our town.


Leading this project are Artists and Researchers Dale Wells and Darren Neave of Turntable Gallery, a contemporary art space in central Grimsby, and Jill Wilson and Tracy Todd, the co-founders of The Equality Practice, a grassroots organisation that informs and champions inclusive cultures. 


Together, under the name ‘The Heritage Project Grimsby & Lincolnshire’, the collaborators have been awarded £100,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore the statute and give it back to the people of Grimsby.


Tracy Todd, Project Manager for the Heritage Project, said: “The story of Grim and Havelock echoes through the ages and here, in 2023, it brilliantly demonstrates the value that difference can bring to a place.”


The statue of Grim and Havelock was sculpted by one of Britain’s most celebrated artists, Douglas Wain-Hobson, and was unveiled on 19th May, 1973. In 2006, after 33 years of standing tall, being dressed up, and occasionally vandalised, it was placed into storage.


Grim and Havelock will be unveiled in its current state at Turntable Gallery in May, and local people are invited to share thoughts and memories of the statue, and “what it means as a statue that represents the greatest of stories of bravery, migration and resettling, the sharing of skills and entrepreneurial spirit.”


Any stories will be used in the project to tell Grim and Havelock’s tale, kickstarting its journey to full restoration.


If you’d like to know more about this project, or get involved by sharing your support, memories, or your expertise, email info@heritageproject.co.uk or visit heritageproject.co.uk.


Grim and Havelock can be found at Turntable Gallery, 8 Victoria Street, Grimsby, from 20th May to 10th June.


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Photo Credits:

Grimsby Evening Telegraph

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