New portrait to celebrate women in maritime industry
WORK: Ruth Fitton starting the initial sketch of Karolina Jabrzyk
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Hull Maritime Museum has commissioned a significant new portrait as part of its plans for refurbished galleries.
The museum, recognising the underrepresentation of women in its collection, has chosen to commission established artist Ruth Fitton to create a portrait of Karolina Jabrzyk, a Humber Pilot 1st Class for Associated British Ports (ABP) Humber.
The work will honour the critical contributions of women in the maritime industry today.
Once completed, the portrait will be prominently displayed in the museum, celebrating both the essential work of women like Karolina in the maritime sector and the critical role all the Humber Pilots continue to perform.
An initial sitting has already taken place, with Ruth capturing the essence of Karolina through photographs and an early small oil sketch.
The final, larger portrait is expected to take the rest of the year to complete, followed by several months of waiting before it can be varnished and framed.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “We’re really excited to commission this contemporary portrait for our new displays within the refurbished Hull Maritime Museum.
“This commission has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the wider Hull Maritime project.
“Ruth Fitton’s extraordinary skill is a fitting way of celebrating the crucial work and the important contribution Karolina and all Humber Pilots continue to do, guiding ships through the notoriously challenging waters of the Humber.”
Karolina, who has served as a Pilot First Class at ABP Humber for several years, said: “I felt very proud and appreciated to be asked to appear in the gallery.
“ABP and my managers have always been very supportive of these initiatives and are committed to promoting women in the maritime industry. It’s wonderful that the Maritime Museum and especially Robin, the curator who is very enthusiastic about this project, also recognise women who work in the maritime sector on an equal footing with men.
“They commissioned an outstanding London artist, Ruth Fitton, to paint my portrait, which was an amazing experience. I am looking forward to seeing my portrait in the museum and hope more women will be encouraged to take up a maritime or port role, and those already in the sector feel noticed by this publicity.”
Ruth said: “The depiction of women in contemporary art is a subject very close to my heart. I’m delighted to be working with Hull Maritime Museum to create a portrait of a highly skilled and courageous woman, to be added to their permanent collection.”