Friends, Foes and Good Companions - Olivier Kugler and Andrew Humphreys

Grimsby's has a long history of connection with the fishing industry. The Cod Wars was a period of conflict from I952 and 1976 between Iceland and the UK about fishing rights and territory in the North Sea. During the Cod Wars, there were no invasions, bombings or declarations of war, but there was a hard-fought conflict over precious resources. UK boats ultimately lost access to some of the richest fishing territories and it led to the demise of Grimsby's fishing industry. The commission reflected on the impact of the Cod Wars on the town.  

Outreach work as part of the development of the commission brought together former fishermen of Grimsby to regularly meet and share their experiences. They were later interviewed by the artist Olivier Kugler and writer Andrew Humphreys. Interviews were also conducted with Icelandic ships’ crew, fishing company spokespersons, diplomats and politicians.

The trail generated an opportunity for local communities to explore their own heritage. A trail map across the town, also accessible digitally via a QR code, linked together places of significance to Grimsby’s fishing past, with each destination hosting an artwork.

Representatives from the fishermen hosted workshops with schoolchildren to explore their shared heritage.