Local artist Terry Clarke has created a series of paintings throughout the centre depicting the famous shrimping vessel The Perseverance.

The Perseverance is thought to have been built around 1914 at the boat building firm founded by Alexander Munroe Gostelow of Boston.

The first owner is unclear but by the 1920s she was owned by the Parrot family and in use as a shrimper in the Humber.

In 1937 she was purchased by Jack Croft, who used the boat for shrimping during the early part of the war until it had to be laid up. After the war Jack continued to fish the Humber Estuary. His last crew member was Frank Harper, who joined Jack around 1975.

After a short stay in Yarmouth, the vessel was sold to Mr Hewson and Mr Sundale of Louth.

In 1980 the boat was purchased by Mr Scholey of Barton upon Humber. Mr Scholey sold her to Great Grimsby Council in 1987 for restoration and exhibition in the National Fishing Heritage Centre where she has a special role in Grimsby’s fishing history.

Terry Clarke is a professional artist with a permanent studio at the Abbey Walk Gallery in Grimsby. He has been a member of the Lincolnshire Artists’ Society for over 25 years and recently won the 2014 Open Art Competition for the 2021 Contemporary Art Gallery in Scunthorpe.

His recent exhibition at the Discovery Centre focused on the Humber Forts which were built to protect the River Humber at the outbreak of the First World War.

Terry said: “In late 2013, I came across a drawing of the Perseverance I had completed in 1982. On taking it to the Fishing Heritage Centre I was fortunate to meet Louise Bowen the collection assistant.

“Louise expressed interest in the drawing and informed me that the Perseverance would be 100-years-old in 2014 and plans were being made to celebrate this anniversary.

“I said that I would like to be involved and suggested that I could do a series of paintings supported with drawings. She agreed and the work you see in the exhibition is the result.

“I have enjoyed taking part in this celebration of a lovely old Fishing Smack that has survived to this day. Part of the rich heritage of Grimsby’s fishing industry that will always live on.”

Terry Clarke will be available to discuss his work at a live demonstration in the Atrium of the Fishing Heritage Centre on Saturday, October 11, between 11.30am and 3pm.

For more information about the exhibition which runs until Sunday, January 4, 2015 contact Rachel McWilliam on (01472) 323004 or email [email protected]