Ship Shape
Saturday 4 February – Saturday 18 March
“From ship + shapen, later shortened to shape. The word is of nautical origin, based on the obligation of a sailor to keep his or her quarters arranged neatly and securely due to the limited space typically allotted to service members aboard ship, and against turbulence at sea”.
Wiktionary
Ships, boats and life on the water – this exhibition is our celebration of all things nautical through our Collection and lent by friends.
Bristol has a rich marine history and even now hundreds of ships and boats are docked in the Floating Harbour. Famous ships of Bristol include John Cabot’s Matthew in which he sailed to Newfoundland in 1497, and of course the SS Great Britain.
We will be open, ship shape and Bristol fashion, on Wednesdays 13:30-16:00 and on Saturdays 11:00-16:00.
Ship Shape – a few comments from our visitors’ book
“Very interestingly curated”
“An interesting and absorbing exhibition. One and a half hours well spent.”
“Great fun – loved seeing these things”
“Lovely varied exhibition beautifully presented”
“Great exhibition – very relevant to Bristol too!”
“Welcoming and well curated”
“What a delight”
“Charming exhibition – enjoyed! Thank you!”
“I love Sam Smith’s boats. Lovely show as ever.”
“Very enjoyable and appropriate for a great port like Bristol.”
“Great to see Ken remembered this way.”
“Fantastic exhibition! As someone who’s sailed it’s been fantastic to see. Great works of art as well. Well done!”
