The Cod Wars, a series of confrontations between Iceland and the UK overfishing rights in the North Atlantic, have been a topic of discussion for decades. However, the impact of this conflict on the fishing industry and the communities involved has often been overlooked. That's where the "Friends, Foes and Good Companions" exhibition comes in.

This reportage artwork has been created by artist Olivier Kugler and writer Andrew Humphreys, commissioned by the Imperial War Museums – IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund in partnership with Our Big Picture and supported by Arts Council England. The work aimed to explore relations between Grimsby and Iceland through conflict, cooperation, and fish & chips!  -through an exhibition, town-wide trail, and community workshop.

The exhibition captures the voices and experiences of people connected with the fishing industry, from current and former Grimsby fishermen, fish processors, fishmongers, and fish & chip shop owners to Icelandic ships’ crew, fishing company spokespersons, lumpers, diplomats, and politicians. Through interviews and visits to fish auctions, smokehouses, Icelandic coastguard vessels, and Presidential residencies, the artists and OBP team have created a series of drawings with text, like a graphic novel.

A small group of ex-fishermen were interviewed initially, enabling the creation of the iconic 'Sea Dogs' artwork which was used within publicity material and featured on a building projection at an outdoor evening event. Held at the Fishing Heritage Centre, this event saw over 2,500 engagements, and the Sea Dogs [Martin Grant and Cyril Cole] also met with the public to talk enthusiastically about the project.

The final exhibition of the Friends, Foes and Good Companions - IWM 'Cod War' Chapter comprised 16 artworks, which were shown at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre. Selected pieces have also been displayed around Grimsby in the form of an art trail featured on Freeman Street Market, Docks Beers [a pub and performance space], Victoria Street (a shopping area), and St James Square.

Community participation was central to this project, from the group of ex-fishermen and their families to the wider community. A series of community workshops in Freeman Street Market, in-class school workshops, and drop-in family events gave the fishermen different opportunities to tell their stories—the most enjoyable. For them, it was when they sat in the middle of class and were drawn by over 80 schoolchildren (in two sittings) while they asked them questions (similar to the way Oli produced the work) They were then invited to see the exhibition at which the children collaborated with other workshop artists to create a soundscape, movement pieces, and sea shanties

Through this project, the fishermen of both countries were allowed to share their lived memories. There was no sense of blame but a strong one of comradeship, some regret and sadness, but joint reconciliation between UK and Icelandic fishermen and joint respect for the sea. Both sides knew how overfishing would affect the industry and subsequently each country's fishing port community, and they knew there was only going to be one winner, with the blame for how this was handled lying to the politicians of the time. 

“Even thinking about it now I remember a gunboats shell whizzing a fathom above my head and only feet in front of our bridge!”

Through this project, we now see our Sea Dogs guest speakers on panels, photographed by world-renowned photographers and are subjects covered in new theatre pieces. We asked two of the Sea Dogs their thoughts about the project, why they joined the project and what they have learned.

Salty Cyril ‘the geriatric old sea dog’ (his own words) "The team's enthusiasm shone through and rubbed off on me, so I think I have succeeded at what I'm doing (for the project) and loving it." Cyril continued, "Through this project, I learnt a lot about myself because I thought I wouldn't be able to speak in front of an audience or crowd or communicate with children, but with a push from my friend, and remembering my chairman of the T&G union days, I drew on the experiences of them, and it helped me a lot to do it, and I did succeed. My communication skills have gone up through the roof."

Martin said “Being with the OBP makes me feel like a team member and I like the challenges put in front of me, working together with the team already we have had some amazing results in a short time and I feel we can go a lot further together. “Martin continued “I’ve new skills I never knew I had until now, communicating, with people from all walks of life and getting my messages across to them, confidence grows with every challenge”

The "Friends, Foes and Good Companions" exhibition has enabled unheard voices of our industrial heritage to be heard. Together we have reflected on conflict and the tremendous comradery between Grimsby and Iceland and how today this is still built on a deep-rooted respect. This project feels like we have only just scratched the surface and are at the start of an incredible journey of connection and understanding. 

A huge thank you to our funder: 

IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund