A lot of heart - conservation work starts on flag of historic whaler ‘Truelove’

CAREFUL WORK: Kate Stockwell cleaning dust from the woollen fabric of the Truelove flag

The flag from a historic Hull whaler is to be conserved as part of the Hull Maritime project.

The Truelove flag, dating back to 1873, had hung from the north wall of the old Pickering Park Museum and was on open display on the ground floor of the Maritime Museum for four decades.

Last month, the rare 15ft-wide flag was lowered and moved to the Court Room.

Textile specialist Kate Stockwell, an accredited conservator, has now further assessed its condition and taken a closer look at the work needed.

Records show it was last treated in 1974, when the lining was removed and washed several times, along with repairs to the stitching and re-lining using new backing fabric.

After more than 40 years of open display at ceiling height, the flag will require thorough yet delicate cleaning and localised repairs.

A five-metre-long velcro strip positioned  along the top edge will be carefully removed, and the flag will be mounted on a bespoke aluminium frame for an improved display arrangement that meets current museum standards.

Stathis Tsolis, conservation and engagement officer for the Hull Maritime project, said: “This flag has been on display for more than 40 years and in need of some treatment to save it for future generations.

“The large flag has a fascinating story to tell and the conservation treatment will ensure visitors will be able to admire it in the best possible condition.”

Once conserved, it will then packed using a bespoke container until returned to the refurbished museum, where it will be prominently displayed as part of the new exhibition.

The Truelove was a Hull whaler with an even longer history than its flag.

Built in Philadelphia in 1764, she was used during the American War of Independence (1775-1783), and during this conflict was captured by the British.

It was then sold to John Voase, a wine merchant and ship owner in Hull. After being strengthened, Truelove began life as a whale ship in 1784. It made 72 voyages to the Arctic and caught more than 400 whales under various captains.

She made her last whaling voyage in 1868, when she and the Diana where the only whalers sailing out of Hull.

In 1873, the Truelove sailed as a merchant ship back into its home port of Philadelphia after a 109-year career. After causing a stir with the locals aware of its heritage, Captain Thomas Weatherill was presented with this flag.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Hull City Council, five key maritime treasures — Arctic Corsair, North End Shipyard, Spurn Lightship, Dock Office Chambers, and the Hull Maritime Museum — will be transformed by the Hull Maritime project.