The Wake of Generations – A Tribute to Fleetwood’s Soul

In the heart of Fleetwood, ‘The Wake of Generations‘ is a mural painted as part of ‘The Big Heart Projects‘. It depicts a pair of hands cradling the Harriet FD111, a historic fishing vessel, against a backdrop of stormy seas. The mural tells a tale of resilience, reflecting the town’s maritime heritage and the challenges faced by its community.

The Wake of Generations

Fleetwood has always been a town tied to the sea. Its maritime history woven into its identity. The town has shaped generations of families who lived and worked by the water. The mural brings this rich history to life. Standing as both a tribute to the past and a symbol of the town’s spirit.

Linking History

Commissioned by The Big Heart Projects. The mural is a collaborative piece from artists Christian Fenn aka Seca One and Hayley Garner aka Aylo. It portrays hands gently cradling a model of the Harriet FD111. Built in 1893, it’s a boat that symbolises a key era in Fleetwood’s maritime history. Originally sail-driven and later fitted with a semi-diesel engine. The Harriet is representative of Fleetwood’s transition from sail-powered fishing to motorised vessels. It would help to set the foundation for Fleetwood’s growth into a prosperous port town.

Connection to Fleetwood

Surrounding the hands, stormy seas swirl, capturing the challenges and hardships faced by the community over time. Other small details can be seen such as a crab and a seagull. They serve as nods to Fleetwood’s connection to the natural world and the traditions that have shaped its character. The crab a reference to ‘crabbing’ a local ‘right of passage’. The seagull a reminder of our connection to both sea and sky.

Stormy Seas

The Wake of Generations also invites reflection on broader issues. The stormy sea, for instance, isn’t just a nod to maritime life. It’s a metaphor for the challenges faced by communities like Fleetwood in today’s world. From economic struggles to societal change, the imagery reflects a resilience in the face of adversity.

Community at the Heart of Creation

What makes The Wake of Generations truly special is the community-driven approach behind its creation. Residents of Fleetwood were actively involved in the process, participating in workshops and sharing their stories. It’s a collaborative effort that ensured the mural would show the voice and spirit of the town.

The Broader Impact of The Big Heart Projects

Fleetwood’s mural is part of a larger mission by The Big Heart Projects. One that aims to use public art as a tool for social change. By addressing themes like addiction, mental health and poverty through their murals. The initiative aims to break stigmas and foster understanding. The Wake of Generations is just one of several pieces planned for the area.

Video about the Big Heart Project