New Sculpture Reflects Belfast Harbour's 400th Maritime History

23rd October 2013

#BelfastPort400 – A new eight-metre tall seahorse sculpture reflecting Belfast's maritime history was unveiled yesterday at the entrance to the city's port.

According to the Belfast Telegraph (which has more on this story), the stainless public artwork was commissioned by Belfast Harbour as part of its 400th anniversary celebrations.

For centuries, depictions of the ocean creature have been used in city imagery to symbolise its seafaring traditions. It was printed on coins throughout the 17th century and two seahorses still have a place in Belfast's coat of arms.

The new sculpture, which has been installed on Dargan Road on the north side of Belfast Lough, was created by renowned German artists Ralf Sander, who is a reader in fine art at the University of Ulster.

Published in Belfast Lough

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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