St Ives to honour maritime legacy with sculpture in UK

Thursday, March 21, 2024

A step forward has been taken in the realization of a mariners’ memorial in St Ives, Cornwall, aimed at commemorating the town’s profound maritime heritage, notably its pilchard fishing history at the dawn of the 20th century. The Cornwall Harbours Board has approved the placement of this significant statue, envisioned by the renowned Cornish sculptor Tom Leaper, in a prime location that overlooks a picturesque bay. This initiative is expected to enrich the cultural landscape of St Ives, intertwining the town’s historical essence with its contemporary appeal as a tourist destination.

The idea for the memorial originated from a collective of St Ives residents, including town council and museum members, who felt a strong need to celebrate and remember the town’s maritime past, which has somewhat faded from public consciousness amidst its growing popularity with tourists. The statue, to be named “Tucking in the Net,” is intended as a homage to the seafarers of St Ives, with its placement at The Castle on Smeaton’s Pier serving as a poignant reminder of the bay’s fishing legacy.

Tom Leaper, during his presentation to the Cornwall Harbours Board, emphasized the significance of reconnecting St Ives to its fishing roots, a narrative that has been overshadowed since the advent of prominent art institutions like the Tate Gallery and the celebration of figures such as Barbara Hepworth. The memorial seeks to narrate the once bustling activity of nearly 300 boats that fished off Porthminster beach, highlighting a record catch in 1905 that symbolizes the town’s historic livelihood.

The project’s funding is being creatively secured through the sale of small bronze sculptures by Leaper, with all proceeds dedicated to the memorial’s creation. This initiative not only fosters community involvement but also offers donors a personal stake in the memorial.

Despite concerns regarding the appropriateness of using public funds for the project, the overwhelming sentiment is that the statue will serve as a meaningful tribute to St Ives’ fishing heritage, reinforcing the town’s identity and potentially attracting visitors keen on exploring the depth of Cornish history and culture.

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