Arts & Culture
Pete Codling on the HMS Warrior.
Published: August 15, 2024 | Updated: 15th August 2024
Contemporary Southsea artist Pete Codling has brought new life to the iconic HMS Warrior with his latest creation.
The artwork was hoisted on the iron-hulled warship at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, marking the first time the Warrior has raised its sail in 160 years.
Key figures from the city’s political, military and arts communities gathered for the grand unveiling, including former First Sea Lord, Sir Philip Jones, and the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Jason Fazackarley.
The ambitious artwork, funded by Arts Council England, took Pete three years to complete in residence at the dockyard.
It features 1,000 portraits of notable figures with connections to the city, reflecting the diverse history and ‘melting pot’ heritage of Portsmouth.
Charles Dickens, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, astronaut Tim Peake, Olympians Lauren Steadman and Katy Sexton, politician Penny Mordaunt, artist Grayson Perry and Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger all feature in the piece.
But there’s also space for other unsung heroes, like WWII engineer Tilly Shilling and Victorian scientist Hertha Ayrton.
And among them are some historical firsts – the first cup of tea and the first umbrella in England – as well as some darker moments – the last person to be hung, drawn and quartered, and the mysterious disappearance of Captain Buster Crabb during a secret diving mission to spy on a Russian battleship in the Cold War.
Pete said: “Originally, the plan was to display the sail on HMS Victory – a life-size replica of the spritsail from the front of the ship.
“However, due to an extensive English Heritage restoration project that has stripped Victory of its masts and yardarms, that plan had to change.
“HMS Warrior is still rigged and capable of displaying the sail, making it a picture-perfect location to celebrate the city’s history in Portsmouth Harbour under the iconic Spinnaker Tower.
“The riggers from the Victory Conservation team, who are also responsible for HMS Warrior, played a crucial role in making this day possible – and for that, we’re truly grateful.”
Pete is set to continue his residency at Portsmouth Dockyard with a new set of sails for the Tudor warship Mary Rose. He also has several exhibitions on the way.
