Icebergs spotted on Exe as floating artwork installed

Published: 18 July 2024

Icebergs have been spotted on the River Exe. However the large ice forms are part of a floating art installation not the consequence of a chilly early summer.

The Melt, by Anthony Garratt, floats giant, double sided paintings of Arctic Icebergs on swinging moorings.

The artwork can be seen from Exeter’s Quayside just downstream from the Butts Ferry. It was installed this week with the aid of Exeter City Council’s Canal and Waterways team.

The project is a poetic nod to the demise of these geographical marvels and also a tribute to the spirit of modern exploration.

The artist’s website says: “In a reference to time, and changing global landscapes; as the paintings swing on their moorings and on each switch of the tide, the reverse of the painting panels will depict paintings of icebergs referencing photographs of Arctic Icebergs from the 1800s.

'The Melt' was inspired by modern-day Arctic explorations; Firstly, Ella Hibbert, who is attempting to become the first person ever to circumnavigate The Arctic, non stop, and solo, on a self-sufficient sailing boat. This modern adventure sends an important message; it indicates that the North West and North East ice sheets open up enough during the Summer months, to make the challenge and record attempt feasible.

Secondly, an important citizen science voyage; Global Warrior, led by Jim Mcneill, sails to the Arctic and trains members of the public to collect real time scientific data.

Both Ella and Jim will supply the artist with photographs they encounter on their expeditions.

Anthony has painted giant, five-metre long depictions of these monumental, melting calves of ice and then mount them on specifically designed structures to float in tidal locations on their own dedicated swinging moorings.

For more information about The Melt visit the artist’s website at www.the-melt.co.uk/