Maritime Tales Week brings interactive artwork to Whitefriargate

COLOURFUL: Some of the artwork in Whitefriargate. Pictures by Neil Holmes Photography

By Simon Bristow

A new interactive artwork has been installed on Whitefriargate as part of Maritime Tales Week 2022.

Whitefriargate Windowscape, by local artist Alex Hunt, is a collaboration between Hull Maritime, Hull Whitefriargate High Street Heritage Action Zone, and Hull Trinity House.

Running until Saturday, October 29, the playful installation at 31-33 Whitefriargate (formerly Thornton’s Chocolate Shop) invites people to notice and explore the maritime tales hidden in the pavements, buildings, and architecture of Whitefriargate and surrounding areas.

The specially commissioned piece is made up of three interlinked elements: a ‘Whitefriargate Waves’ scene which brings to life architectural details of Whitefriargate’s streetscape and stories of Hull Trinity House; a rich Hull Maritime patchwork made up of the project’s key sites and collections; and a textual piece reminding people to ‘Look Up, Down and All Around’.

Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “Whitefriargate is an incredibly important historic street in Hull, and we are excited to be drawing attention to that in a vibrant and really quite magical installation by local artist Alex Hunt.

“This artwork celebrates the storytelling power of buildings, places, and objects, and there are plenty of opportunities to interact with the piece and get creative.”

Alex Hunt said: “This piece is all about the heritage of Hull, to make a playful piece that includes maritime tales, buildings, and architecture found on Whitefriargate and in the surrounding areas. I think there are a lot of buildings and details that go unnoticed in Hull; I hope this piece ignites that fire of interest in people to take a moment to ‘Look Up, Down and All Around’.”

Charlotte Tomlinson from Hull Maritime, said: “This project has been all about partnership – for example it’s been a real pleasure to work so closely with Alex over the past couple of months to explore the history, architecture and mythologies of Whitefriargate, and also to deliver the project alongside the Whitefriargate Hight Street Heritage Action Zone.

“Hull Trinity House have kindly provided the space and their own maritime story – which is longer than even the city of Hull itself – and is central to this piece.”

Families are invited to get involved by picking up a free activity pack from local businesses and shops, Ferens Art Gallery, or the Museum Quarter. The pack includes a creative ‘window hunt’ along the street and a ‘Become a Window Artist’ competition with the chance to win prizes.

Participants are also encouraged to take photos with the pieces and share them on social media with the hashtag #MaritimeTalesWeek.

Whitefriargate Windowscape is part of Hull Maritime’s Maritime Tales Week 2022 which runs until October 29. The full programme includes storytelling sessions, live theatre performances, and a packed schedule of online content, including behind-the-scenes insights into the Hull Maritime project.

Hull Maritime is funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund and encompasses the restoration of Spurn Lightship and Arctic Corsair, the creation of a new visitor attraction at North End Shipyard, and the transformational refurbishment of Hull Maritime Museum and Dock Office Chambers. Hull Whitefriargate High Street Heritage Action Zone is funded by Historic England.