The Viola Trust is commemorating another episode in the Hull’s proud nautical heritage as part of its campaign.
The Trust has commissioned “Hull Task Force”, a 2022 calendar which features paintings by Larry Malkin of the nine ships from the city which set sail for the Falklands War almost 40 years ago.
Businesses around the city have supported the project with all profits from the sale of the calendars going to support the Viola campaign.
Norman Court, Project Manager of the Viola Trust, said: “Our previous calendar for 2020 proved very popular with its collection of stunning paintings by Larry of ships with strong Hull connections, from the Norland and the Arctic Corsair to HMS Bounty and the Viola herself. Many people still have their copies.
“We wanted something really special to follow that and came up with the idea of marking the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War with a selection of paintings recognising the efforts of the city of Hull in sending nine ships and crews to the conflict in the spring of 1982.
“The Hull fleet fulfilled various vital roles including transporting troops, salvaging wrecks, removing mines and repatriating prisoners of war. The calendar contains dramatic paintings of the ships at work in hostile conditions, with details of their specifications and their individual histories. What many people forget is that the Viola was already there!”
Larry was inspired to create the first Viola calendar after being commissioned to paint a picture of the Norland for the cover of a book. He embarked on Hull Task Force after chatting to trustees about the part played by ships from Hull in the Falklands.
He said: “There’s no doubt that when the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War comes round in a few months it will bring back a lot of memories, especially for people from our area who sailed there.
“A calendar is the ideal way to remind people of what happened and of the significant part played by the ships and crews from Hull. We hope it will also raise awareness of the history of the Viola and the campaign to bring her home.”
Businesses featured in the calendar include Dunston Ship Repairs Limited, who are currently restoring the Arctic Corsair and the Spurn Lightship, Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA), Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, J R Rix & Sons Ltd, and RSM UK.
Also on board is B Cooke & Son Ltd, which has been part of Hull’s maritime history and Hull’s one-stop-shop for all nautical needs since 1863 as the only business in the city supplying navigational charts and publications, manufacturing and adjusting magnetic compasses and supplying and repairing sextants.
Managing Director Priyanka Perera said: “Because of our expertise and long involvement in the city’s maritime history it makes sense for us to support this project – we have records of our work dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. I’m sure we will have supplied many of the ships which are featured in the calendar and currently supply and service most of the other sponsors.
B Cooke & Son Ltd has stocks of the calendar at its showroom at 58-59 Market Place, Hull. It can also be purchased from J E Books in Hepworth’s Arcade and from the Hull People’s Memorial in Whitefriargate. The calendar is priced at £10 with all profits going to the Viola Trust.
To order a copy direct from the Viola Trust please email info@violatrawler.net
Pictured is Priyanka Perera of B Cooke & Son Ltd with the artist Larry Malkin.
