The popular exhibit – a stuffed polar bear captured by a Scottish whaling ship more than 150 years ago – will return to the museum when it reopens on August 8
Lizzie Millar, conservator, prepares Erik for display(Image: Tom Arran Photo)
Erik the polar bear will return to his former home one week today – after spending six years out of sight. After being held safely out of public view during the Hull Maritime Museum‘s £20.4m transformation, Erik will return to take pride of place in the new Age of Sail gallery.
Captured by the crew of the Dundee whaling ship SS Erik in the Arctic more than 150 years ago, Erik the polar bear has spent the past four decades greeting visitors to the museum. Erik is on a long-term loan from The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum.
Hull Maritime Museum reopens to the public on Saturday 8 August. The museum 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.
Erik has been a familiar exhibit at Hull Maritime Museum for more than 40 years. During conservation work in 2010, specialists made an unexpected discovery when they found newspapers dating from 1874 hidden inside the specimen, a fascinating reminder of the Victorian techniques used to preserve the bear after it was brought back from the Arctic by the crew of the whaling ship. Following the conservation project, a public competition named the bear Erik after the vessel that brought 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.”
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.”
Hull Maritime Museum is free to visit. Visitors are encouraged to book a free ticket in advance to guarantee entry during busy periods, although walk-up entry will also be available, subject to capacity. Book at maritimemusuem.co.uk
It is open from Monday to Saturday: 10am to 4.30pm and Sunday: 11am to 4pm. The restoration and redevelopment of Hull Maritime Museum has been funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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