Abeona and INSTAR - Journeys and Stages of Transformation

30 December 2024
This oil painting of the launch of the Abeona in 1794, built and launched in Poole.

Choosing a good name for ships has always been an important maritime tradition. For instance, for good omens, a warship of any era could hardly better ‘The Victory’.

In late eighteenth century Poole, the name ‘Abeona’ (the Roman goddess of departures, journeys and safe returns), was the name chosen for a transatlantic brig.

The image above depicts its launch from Hamworthy on 28 June 1794. The Abeona’s owner was Joseph Olive and its captain was George Hayward. It sailed the Poole-Newfoundland route in September 1795.

In the summer of 2025 Poole Museum will complete its own long journey – reopening to the public after a closure of approximately two-and-a-half-years. Another Abeona will be a new centrepiece. It is the name chosen by the creative partnership, ‘INSTAR’ for a commissioned large artwork, positioned within a three-storey space within Oakley’s Mill.

Artists impression of Abeona sculpturee.
Area of display of Abeona sculpture

Scrimshaw is the name given to a heritage craft associated with whaling, from the late eighteenth-century and well into the nineteenth-century. Creative whalers (called scrimshanders) engraved intricate patterns or images (carved with sailing needles etc and etched with black ink) on whale bone, whale ivory and sometimes on walrus tusks. They were crafted on long sea journeys, such as those in and around Newfoundland.

Evans and Humphreys say that some elements of Abeona’s final design will echo the walrus tusk scrimshaw, re-imagining this heritage craft at an enormous scale, with some creative licence. It will stand on its base of about 60-80 cm (c. 24in – 31in) and will be about 6.5m (c. 21ft) high, supported in one or more places along its length. It will be made from Jesmonite, an environmentally friendly, sustainable and durable material favoured by architects and artists. It is used from large to small scales in buildings, art installations and hand-made art. Its surface can replicate almost any texture, finish or colour. In the tradition of scrimshaw, Abeona’s engraved designs will be etching in black ink.

They were thrilled to have been awarded the commission.  Their intention is that the Abeona will be more than just a sculpture.  “It will be a celebration of Poole’s incredible maritime history and its vibrant community.  By blending traditional scrimshaw techniques with modern storytelling, we hope to create a piece that resonates deeply with residents and visitors.    Working with the community is at the heart of this project.  We can’t wait to see how local ideas and creativity shape the final artwork.”

Scrimshaw from Poole Museum collection

So, Abeona and INSTAR. Poole Museum hopes that the goddess of journeys completed safely and important transformational stages from the insect world will prove good omens for the Museum and its new signature artwork. We hope the sculpture, and many other exciting new attractions, will entice many new regular visitors to Poole Museum at its reopening and beyond. Truly a metamorphosis for the whole community to celebrate for years to come.

With thanks to Poole Museum for details of the new staff and special thanks to Trish Evans of INSTAR for additional information about the Abeona sculpture.

Kit Pearce - (Poole Museum Volunteer).

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