The Maritime Museum is opening a new sculpture exhibition to showcase work by its first ever artist in residence this Friday.

Rob Johnsey, a boatbuilder, sailor and sculptor, is not only the museum’s first artist in residence, but a long serving and dedicated member of the museum team, having volunteered for their boat collection team for more than 10 years.

With a degree in Civil Engineering and a BA in Fine Art from Falmouth University, Rob works mostly in wood, and his exhibition, entitled 'Skeleton - New sculptures inspired by old boats’ is a show of new sculptural works inspired by historic boats and other forms in the museum’s collections.

Some of Rob's creations have been inspired directly by museum exhibits, such as the Coracles, while other pieces draw on broad boat themes including clinker construction or repeated patterns of boat ribs, with some artwork even made using reclaimed wood from an old boat.

The exhibition provides a tactile and visually appealing experience, offering a new way to engage with historic boats from Cornwall and around the world, while showcasing Rob’s skill and artistic flair. It also takes a look at the process of making sculpture.

Skeleton - New sculptures inspired by old boats will be on display at the National Maritime Museum from Friday, November 11.

All of Rob's works on display in the exhibition are available for sale.