The exhibition will showcase Karl’s personal belongings, images and diary entries from his incredible journey
Karl in Chile(Image: Karl Bushby)
A free exhibition devoted to global explorer Karl Bushby will open in Hull next week. Karl, now 57, was 28 when he set off on foot from Punta Arenas in Chile, South America, in 1998, on a mission to walk all the way home without using any form of transport.
The former paratrooper is set to receive a hero’s welcome when he walks back into the city on Monday, November 2, and he is already planning to deliver a series of talks on his adventures in a theatre tour. And the people of Hull can soon visit a special exhibition dedicated to Karl, showcasing personal belongings, images and diary entries from his 28-year journey around the globe.
The team from Allenby Commercial are opening the doors of landmark office development Monocle for the free public exhibition, which will include prints of original images from his time in South America, Canada, Mongolia and Serbia. The show, which runs from Tuesday, November 3, will also include “The Beast”, Karl’s trusted trolley which has carried and protected his belongings.
It will also include maps of the Bering Strait and Caspian Sea, diary entries on various pieces of paper which he sent home to his father Keith over the years, maps to pinpoint where Karl slept at various points on his journey, and his swimming kit.
Charlie Allenby, director at Allenby Commercial, who suggested the exhibition to Keith, said: “I’ve been following Karl’s inspiring journey for as long as I can remember and we wanted to do something to mark his incredible achievements. This exhibition is an incredibly rare opportunity to see original documents that have travelled the world with Karl.
“We’re showcasing what he has achieved and it’s important for people from far and wide to see and learn about what he has experienced, especially with his personal belongings being on display. If Karl’s story can inspire one young person to take a chance and do something out of the box, it’s absolutely worth it.
“We’re so proud of Karl and he has put Hull on the map alongside so many other great people from the city over the years.”
Karl touched down in the UK once more on October 5 after swimming across the English Channel to Shakespeare Beach near Dover. He is set to reach Queen Victoria Square on Monday, more than 10,000 days since he left Hull. He will then make his way home to his mum’s house in east Hull to complete his epic adventure.
The exhibition, which is sponsored by Hull print company Jaden Press, will run until early 2027. Charlie added: “Many people document their travels online through the internet, blogs or social media. When Karl left Hull 28 years ago, social media wasn’t part of daily life, and he has gone out there and experienced the real world outside of a phone and the internet.
“We want to ensure there is a space for people to come and see what Karl has seen, and Monocle is the perfect space to do that. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone.” The exhibition will be held in the Monocle Gallery, 184 Ferensway, Hull, HU1 3UT, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.
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