Ghost ships exhibit planned for Bristol woods

Old fishing ships are due to be placed in the woods outside Bristol as part of a new art exhibition

An art exhibition made from old fishing ships is due to be set up in the woods outside Bristol, in the latest project from Luke Jerram.

The 39-year-old artist made headlines earlier this year when he unveiled a 300ft long public water slide on Bristol’s Park Street.

For his latest project, Withdrawn, Luke will be taking his inspiration from the nautical world in order to draw attention to the twin issues of overfishing and climate change.

All of the boats will be pointing in the same direction to give the impression that they were swept into the woods by the tide.

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The fishing vessels will be open for the public to explore, with a series of installations, theatrical performances, lectures and interactive workshops due to be laid on over the course of six months.

These events will continue into the night, with the boats used to light up the Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve, which overlooks Clifton Gorge and the River Avon.

Pending clearance from the local planning authorities, Luke hopes to launch Withdrawn in April 2015, to coincide with Bristol’s residency as European Green Capital.

He has already received support from the Arts Council England Exceptional Fund and the Bristol Culture Development Partnership.

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