Roarsome! Erik the polar bear returns to Maritime Museum
NICE TO SEE YOU: Conservator Lizzie Millar with Erik
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
A fearsome-looking polar bear called Erik will be among the star attractions welcoming visitors to the Maritime Museum when it reopens to the public next week.
Captured by the crew of the Dundee whaling ship SS Erik in the Arctic more than 150 years ago, Erik has spent the past four decades delighting generations of visitors to the museum.
Now, after six years out of public view during the museum’s £20.4m transformation as part of the Hull Maritime project, the iconic bear has returned to take pride of place in the new Age of Sail gallery. This is thanks to a long-term loan from The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum.
The Maritime Museum, which reopens on Saturday, August 8, tells the story of the city’s 800-year relationship with the sea, exploring the maritime heritage that shaped trade, migration, fishing and whaling across Britain and beyond.
STAND STILL, ERIK: Preparing the mighty Erik for viewing
During conservation work in 2010, specialists made an unexpected discovery when they found newspapers dating from 1874 hidden inside Erik – a fascinating reminder of the Victorian techniques used to preserve the bear after it was brought back from the Arctic. Following the conservation project, a public competition named the bear Erik after the vessel that took him to Scotland.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The return of Erik the polar bear is a significant and exciting moment as we prepare to reopen Hull Maritime Museum and welcome visitors back through its doors a week today.
“For many people in Hull and beyond, Erik is one of the museum’s most recognisable and memorable exhibits, having captured the imagination of generations of families, schoolchildren and visitors over the past four decades.
“The £20.4 million restoration has created a fantastic new visitor experience in one of Hull’s most important historic buildings, and we are incredibly proud to see it reopening for residents and tourists alike. We look forward to welcoming people back to discover Erik once again and to experience everything the new Hull Maritime Museum has to offer.”
LOOKING GOOD: Erik was captured in the Arctic more than 150 years ago
Robin Diaper, curator of social and maritime history, said:“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome this polar bear back to public display as Hull Maritime Museum prepares to open next weekend. For more than 40 years, this specimen has been one of the museum’s most popular and recognisable exhibits, holding a special place in the memories of generations of visitors.
“His return to the new Age of Sail gallery is particularly significant, not only because of his enduring popularity, but because he helps us tell the story of the deep connections between Hull and the Arctic whaling industry.
“This polar bear reflects a very different period in history and offers an opportunity to explore how attitudes towards wildlife, conservation and the natural world have changed over time.
“We’re grateful to our colleagues at The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum for their continued support in making this long-term loan possible, and we look forward to welcoming visitors old and new to see it once again when the museum reopens.”
The museum is free to visit but visitors are encouraged to book a ticket in advance to guarantee entry during busy periods. Book at maritimemusuem.co.uk.
The opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10am – 4.30pm, and from 11am – 4pm on Sundays.
The museum’s restoration and redevelopment has been funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.