This show displayed the statue of Grim and Havelock by the late Douglas Wain-Hobson in its ultimate state of disrepair. He was laid out on his back in the gallery alongside local press and other historical information, some highlighting the myth around Grim and Havelock.

The Wake represented the culmination of many years of research and debate, regarding not just the legend but the heritage of Grimsby town. 

In the show, I was able to infuse the space, with the scent of pine, both with visual and olfactory references, naturally, via the small trees that were planted in the window and chemically with the Little Trees and Febreze spray to bolster the ambient smell. I wanted the smell to become associated with the statue, to form a sensory connection, perhaps instill visitors with an unconscious memory of visiting the statue. Marcel Duchamp and Mike Kelley have used pine scents within their works over the years and it felt right to link their work with the project. 

Visitors were able to share their thoughts and memories of this iconic local sculpture and join in conversations about the importance of public works and how we endeavour to ascertain their importance as cultural markers within towns and cities.

Made possible with Heritage Funding.

Photography retouching by Stuart Shackleton.