Grimsby is well known for several things from football to fishing, but one thing is for sure – they make the best fish and chips.
To celebrate that fact, Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre is announcing its latest exhibition this National Fish and Chip Day.
In partnership with the National Federation of Fish Fryers, funded through Arts Council England, this initiative aims to highlight the stories and interactions within these beloved establishments.
Artist Paul Digby, joined by poet Ian McMillan, is currently visiting various fish and chip shops up and down the Eastern coast from Northumberland to Norfolk, spending time drawing the shops and photographing customer and staff interactions, these images are used for paintings in Paul’s studio.
The completed artworks will reflect the spirit of the shops and their patrons before being exhibited.
With Paul sketching away, Ian will create poetry inspired by the artwork, enriching the narrative and celebrating the shared experiences. Already, Ian has produced a poem used for National Fish and Chips day, titled Praise, describing his love of the humble fish and chips.
I think this is what heaven must be like:
Standing in a queue, glasses dim with steam
Thinking of the time I’ll get on my bike
And take my treasure home. This is a dream
Of gigantic chips and fish in batter
And mushy peas that glow in evening light
And standing here, nothing seems to matter
Because fish and chips make the world seem right.
It’s my turn next, I can hear the sizzle
A symphony of frying: sounds like bliss.
I can’t wait to go home through the drizzle
Then savour that sublime fish and chip kiss
As the first forkful meets my waiting lips.
All is well now I’ve got my fish and chips!
Hosted in the Muriel Barker Gallery, the showcase will celebrate working-class culture through the lens of fish and chip shops, which are iconic landmarks in coastal communities like Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
The project culminates in an open event at the Fishing Heritage Centre, inviting community members to come together to celebrate culture, art, and local heritage. Throughout its tenure, Paul will also deliver artist workshops in a series of community venues.
Louise Bowen, Senior Curator at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, said: “We are really excited about this project celebrating our national dish. Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre tells an important story of the trawlers and their crew who risked their lives every day to feed the nation.
“We are really looking forward to the exhibition next year and celebrating the iconic fish and chip shop.”
Andrew Crook CFSP, President of the National Federation of Fish Fryers, added: “For over 160 years the seaside and fish and chips have gone hand in hand so it is fantastic to be involved in this art project which is recording some of the amazing coastal fish and chip shops and the people who work in them. We have been following the project as it progresses and we can’t wait to see the results.”
The exhibition will run from Saturday, 16 January, 2027 to Monday, 3May, 2027. For more information about the centre itself, please visit https://fishingheritage.com/
For more information about Paul and his art, visit http://www.pauldigby.co.uk/
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