Scrimshaw Records of Future Sea

Scrimshaw was often made as a gift to a loved one back home or as an object to trade. Due to its highly individualised nature, each piece holds its own history, story and intrinsic value. Stories of epic whaling battles, mythical sea creatures, commemorative sea voyages and the sailors ships were popular motifs.

Sailors who worked on whaling ships had a ready supply of ivory and bone. They used needles, knives, and other carving tools to etch their designs and added lampblack, tobacco juice, or ink to make them more distinctive.

These collaborative pieces are scrimshaw inspired objects that have surfaces etched with imaginary visual records of future seas. Polluted by man-made waste, oceans rich with toxic plastics and littered with our unwanted detritus, we are contributing to the destruction of our natural planet. By 2050, if we carry on business as usual there will be more plastic in our oceans than finfish in weight.

Freeblown glass, engraved and enamelled

Scrimshaw Records of Future Sea: Net | H50 x W11.5 x D9cm
Scrimshaw Records of Future Sea: Pollution | H47 x W10.5 x D8.5cm
Scrimshaw Records of Future Sea: Cargo Ship | H40.5 x W10 x D7.5cm
Scrimshaw Records of Future Sea: Toothbrush | H35.5 x W7 x D5cm