Collection: The Small Ships Collection

To commemorate the return of the Tall Ships to Aberdeen, we are delighted to present ‘Small Ships’ an exhibition of model boats & prints that celebrates traditional craftsmanship and our rich Maritime history through nautical themed artworks.

The fleets creator, Edward Smith draws inspiration directly from his families strong maritime history, coastal villages and the men and women of the Northeast fishing industry. Long before the black gold of the North Sea was discovered, fishing and international shipping formed two of the largest industries in the region bringing great wealth to port towns like Peterhead and Fraserburgh, which still have bustling harbours.

Aberdeen itself boasts a unique maritime heritage with the creation of shipping giant Shore Porters, founded quayside in 1498. Aberdeen harbour itself has records stretching back to its foundation with paperwork from 1136, marking it as the oldest known port in Britain. Of course, the city and indeed the maritime way of life has seen many changes over the centuries and like many port cities, the traditional bartering of a fresh catch, auctioned directly on the dockside are now only remembered in photographs and museum displays as the more profitable oil industry ships and industrial transport vessels fill the harbour today.

The elegance and grandeur of the Tall Ships is occasion for celebration and Peacock is delighted to be joining many in the city during their momentous return. We look forward to welcoming crew and personnel from the ships to the print studio along with hosting a number of pop up print activities taking place during the festival weekend from the 19th to 21st July.

As the maritime industry has evolved, so too has the need to remember its traditions and to celebrate our connection to the sea and Small Ships provide a timely reminder of what could easily be lost.

The exhibition comprises of a selection of model boats, lovingly crafted by Edward Smith along with a new set of prints from international artist Tom Hammick. The model boats are accompanied by a selection of nautically themed prints by artists including; Ian Hamilton Finlay, Joyce Cairns, Adam Bridgland, Richard Demarco, Frances Walker, Andrew Cranston and many more.

Edward Smith’s range of Fishing Boat Models and Prints together provide a lasting tribute to history and craftsmanship of the fishing industry in North East Scotland.