Hull Maritime Museum celebrates women in maritime with new portrait commission

The Hull Maritime Museum has taken a significant step towards recognizing the contributions of women in the maritime industry by commissioning a new portrait of Karolina Jabrzyk, a Humber Pilot First Class for Associated British Ports (ABP) Humber. The portrait, which will be created by acclaimed portrait artist Ruth Fitton, is set to become a highlight of the museum’s refurbished galleries, celebrating the vital role women play in the maritime sector.

A new artistic addition to Hull Maritime Museum

In an effort to address the underrepresentation of women within its collection, the Hull Maritime Museum has chosen to commission a portrait that will pay tribute to the achievements of women in the maritime industry. Karolina Jabrzyk, who serves as a First-Class Pilot at ABP Humber, has been selected as the subject of this new artwork. The decision to commission the portrait comes as part of the museum’s ongoing refurbishment, which aims to create more inclusive and representative displays.

The artist behind the portrait: Ruth Fitton

Ruth Fitton, a portrait painter with strong ties to Yorkshire, has been chosen to create this important piece. Known for her self-taught artistry, Fitton has garnered recognition both nationally and internationally, with her work being exhibited in prestigious venues such as the National Portrait Gallery in London and the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona. As an elected member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and the Portrait Society of America, Fitton’s skill is well-matched to the task of capturing the essence of a trailblazing woman like Jabrzyk.

An initial sitting for the portrait has already taken place, during which Fitton used photographs and a small oil sketch to begin her work. The final portrait, expected to take the remainder of the year to complete, will be displayed prominently within the museum, serving as a testament to the contributions of women in the maritime industry.

Celebrating the role of women in maritime

The commissioning of this portrait is more than just an artistic endeavor; it is a celebration of the often-overlooked contributions of women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the importance of recognizing the work of women like Jabrzyk. He stated,

"This commission has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the wider Hull Maritime project."

Karolina Jabrzyk herself has expressed her pride in being chosen for this honor. She commented on the support she has received from ABP and the Maritime Museum, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the work of women in the maritime sector on an equal footing with men. Jabrzyk hopes that the visibility brought by this portrait will encourage more women to pursue careers in maritime and port roles.

The wider impact of Hull Maritime Project

The commissioning of this portrait is part of the larger Hull Maritime project, a citywide cultural regeneration initiative led by Hull City Council with significant funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project aims to capitalize on the momentum created by Hull’s designation as UK City of Culture, with the goal of preserving and promoting the city’s rich maritime heritage.

The Hull Maritime project encompasses the restoration of six historic sites and two vessels in Hull’s city centre, including the refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Hull Maritime Museum and the Dock Office Chambers. This major regeneration effort also includes the restoration of the Spurn Lightship and the Arctic Corsair, as well as the creation of a new tourist attraction at the North End Shipyard. The project is expected to add £5.5 million to the local economy each year and attract new visitors to the city, while also providing opportunities for skills development, employment, and volunteering.

The role of The National Lottery Heritage Fund

The Hull Maritime project, including the commissioning of Karolina Jabrzyk’s portrait, has been made possible through the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund. As the largest dedicated funder of heritage in the UK, the Heritage Fund plays a crucial role in preserving and transforming the nation’s heritage. Over the next decade, the Heritage Fund aims to invest £3.6 billion to benefit people, places, and the natural environment, ensuring that the past is valued, cared for, and sustained for future generations.

Through its investment in projects like Hull Maritime, The National Lottery Heritage Fund is helping to drive innovation and collaboration in the heritage sector, making a positive difference to people’s lives today while leaving a lasting legacy for the future. The portrait of Karolina Jabrzyk, once completed, will stand as a powerful symbol of the contributions of women in the maritime industry and the importance of celebrating diversity within our cultural institutions.