22nd August 2024
Hull Maritime Museum has commissioned a significant new portrait as part of their plans for refurbished galleries, thanks to National Lottery players.
The museum, recognising the underrepresentation of women within its collection, has chosen to commission established portrait artist Ruth Fitton to create a portrait of Karolina Jabrzyk, a Humber Pilot 1st Class for Associated British Ports (ABP) Humber. This remarkable work will honour the critical contributions of women in the maritime industry today.
The portrait, once completed, will be prominently displayed within the museum, celebrating both the essential work of women like Karolina in the maritime sector and the critical role all the Humber Pilots continue to perform.
An initial sitting has already taken place, with Ruth Fitton capturing the essence of Karolina through photographs and an initial small oil sketch. The final, larger portrait is expected to take the rest of the year to complete, followed by several months of waiting before it can be varnished and framed.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “We’re really excited to commission this new contemporary portrait for our new displays within the refurbished Hull Maritime Museum. This commission has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the wider Hull Maritime project.
“Ruth Fitton’s extraordinary skill is a fitting way of celebrating the crucial work and the important contribution Karolina and all Humber Pilots continue to do, guiding ships through the notoriously challenging waters of the Humber.”
Karolina Jabrzyk, who has served as a Pilot First Class at ABP Humber for several years, expressed her pride in being selected for this honour, she said: “I felt very proud and appreciated to be asked to appear in the gallery.
“ABP and my managers have always been very supportive of these initiatives and are committed to promoting women in the maritime industry. It’s wonderful that the Maritime Museum and especially Robin, the curator who is very enthusiastic about this project, also recognise women who work in the maritime sector on an equal footing with men.
“They commissioned an outstanding London artist, Ruth Fitton, to paint my portrait, which was an amazing experience. I am looking forward to seeing my portrait in the museum and hope more women will be encouraged to take up a maritime or port role, and those already in the sector feel noticed by this publicity.”
Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber ports, shared his enthusiasm, he said: “What an honour for Karolina to have been asked to sit for her portrait. We are looking forward to seeing the finished result and are very pleased that ABP could support the Maritime Museum.
“Our message is clear – there are a wide range of important roles at the ports for women, and we want those already in the sector to feel valued by this recognition. We are committed to promoting diversity and fostering inclusivity and have initiatives aimed at improving recruitment to demystify what has been traditionally seen as a male-dominated world.”
Ruth Fitton ROI is a portrait painter with strong Yorkshire roots. Self-taught, she has gained awards from around the globe and has exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery in London, Sotheby's New York, and the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona. She is an elected member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and the Portrait Society of America.
Ruth Fitton, Portrait Painter, said: "The depiction of women in contemporary art is a subject very close to my heart. I'm delighted to be working with Hull Maritime Museum to create a portrait of a highly skilled and courageous woman, to be added to their permanent collection."
Hull Maritime Museum invites the public to follow the progress of this exciting new addition to their collection and looks forward to unveiling the portrait later next year.
