Exhibition, preservation and recreation of boats, waterside and maritime occupations of the 17c, through the works of J.M.W. Turner and his contemporaries.
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Severn Punt
Last remaining active example of working punt built for salmon, eel and transport on the upper tidal reaches of the River Severn.
Badminton horse trials, artisan fishing theme on the lake - Simon & Ann Cooper flaxland exhibit
Artistic connections "Worcester Cathedral from the Severn" by J.M.W. Turner. The shape and construction of this punt is typical of many boats in drawings dating back to the middle ages. Net salmon fishing was common on all rivers throughout Europe until the latter part of the 19 century; boats and fisherfolk at work drew many an artist's attention, making it a common theme in many of their works.
Worcester Cathedral from the Severn
Worcester - drawn by J.M.W. Turner R.A. and engraved by T. Jeavons 1836. Boats in Art Collection - Simon and Ann Cooper
Available for exhibitions, festivals, media and display work. Owned Simon & Ann Cooper email salmonboats@yahoo.co.uk
History
Punts were once a common sight on the Severn, working in the transport of goods and people, crossing ferries, salmon and eel fishing. Possibly the last remaining example, the punts of the lower river have a particularly pleasing shape due to rising bow and stern which enabled it to rise over the tidal bore wave which sweeps up river at high tides.
One of two boats built in 1910 it worked on the river long net salmon fishing until the 1970’s when it was replaced with a modern boat. It remained on the banks until 1998 when the present owners were encouraged to restore it, over the following years it occasionally returned to the river to fish using the
original methods.
Last fishing in 2008 traditional and net fisheries have ceased in the Severn and throughout most of the UK.
