SURF! is a major new exhibition at National Maritime Museum Cornwall, documenting 100 years of waveriding in Cornwall. The show celebrates surf culture, craft, art, activism and inspiration over two floors. The narrative is led by 100 significant surfboards with links to Cornwall, from a record-breaking 37-footer, to Damien Hirsts famous butterfly board.
We've been working on the concept, visual identity, exhibition design system and promotional campaign for 18 months, so attending the preview last week was a big moment. We'll post more on this landmark project over the coming months, in the meantime, here are some photos of Cornwall's surf community coming out in force for the launch event.
Entering the space through the eye of a barreling wave
'Culture' zone overview
The journey starts with the introduction of 'coffin lid' bellyboards
The man of the hour, guest curator Sam Bleakley
James Otter and Roma Rob sweating the detail
The Sacrificials bringing the music
Over 100 boards are featured, each telling a story
Reflecting on some of Cornwall's most iconic surf photography
Kieran and Ross being celebrated for their input
The exhibition highlights include:
A reconstruction of Newquay's original Bilbo shop
A split-screen VW bus with era-specific props
The board evolution wall
Interactive artwork
Damien Hirst's butterfly board in the 'Art' zone
Abigail Fallis' wave sculpture in the 'Activism' zone
An immersive film to summarise the experience
All photos by Ian Cross
SURF! is a major new exhibition at National Maritime Museum Cornwall, documenting 100 years of waveriding in Cornwall. The show celebrates surf culture, craft, art, activism and inspiration over two floors. The narrative is led by 100 significant surfboards with links to Cornwall, from a record-breaking 37-footer, to Damien Hirsts famous butterfly board.
We've been working on the concept, visual identity, exhibition design system and promotional campaign for 18 months, so attending the preview last week was a big moment. We'll post more on this landmark project over the coming months, in the meantime, here are some photos of Cornwall's surf community coming out in force for the launch event.
All photos by Ian Cross