Celebrating Women in Maritime: The SHE_SEES Exhibition Comes to Portsmouth

After its successful launch during last year’s London International Shipping Week, the inspiring SHE_SEES exhibition is setting sail for Portsmouth, United Kingdom. This compelling exhibit, which highlights the stories of women who have left an indelible mark on the maritime industry, will open to the public on Friday, August 2. Located in Boathouse 4 at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the exhibition promises to be an enriching experience free of charge.

A New Chapter in Maritime History

Spearheaded by the UK-based global safety and education charity, Lloyd’s Register Foundation, in partnership with Portsmouth Historic Quarter and the University of Portsmouth, SHE_SEES delves into the vast archives from across the UK and Ireland. It showcases the history of trailblazing women in maritime—a history that has often gone unrecognized.

The SHE_SEES exhibition does more than just spotlight the past; it aims to address the ongoing gender imbalance in the maritime sector. According to recent research by the IMO, women make up just 29% of the overall maritime workforce, with a stark drop to 2% among female seafarers.

An Immersive Experience

The SHE_SEES exhibition blends striking visuals, art, and storytelling to bring these stories to life. Visitors will encounter portraits of inspiring women currently working in the maritime industry, including two new portraits of local heroes: Betzy Shell, a Boatbuilder, and Emily Ball, a Boatkeeper Assistant, both based in Portsmouth.

Louise Sanger, Head of Research, Interpretation & Engagement at Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s Heritage & Education Centre, explains the significance of the exhibition:

“We’re thrilled to be bringing SHE_SEES to Portsmouth, one of Britain’s most significant cities when it comes to naval history. When we started working on this project, we had one mission in mind: to set the record straight on women’s contributions to maritime, now and throughout history.”

Sanger emphasizes the critical need for representation in the industry to inspire young girls to explore careers in maritime,

“There is so much the industry has to offer, but we need more representation to inspire young girls to explore potential careers there – so we hope our exhibition will be a catalyst for change. We’re incredibly grateful for the support and contributions we’ve received from the University of Portsmouth and the Portsmouth Historic Quarter. We’re looking forward to welcoming people from Portsmouth and further afield – and hopefully inspire more girls to consider a career in maritime.”

Bringing History to Life

The exhibition also includes research from Dr. Melanie Bassett, historian and Research Fellow in Public Engagement at the University of Portsmouth. Dr. Bassett, a member of the University’s Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures (PCMC), has significantly contributed to understanding the essential role women played in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard during the First World War.

“We are delighted to bring this fascinating intergenerational exhibition about the role of women in maritime industries to Portsmouth, and to tell the stories of Portsmouth Royal Dockyard and the Royal Navy,” says Dr. Bassett.

Reflecting on the exhibition’s scale and impact, she adds,

“Women have had limited visibility in the maritime sector, and this exhibition is an important testament to their continued contribution and presence. The exhibition is striking in scale and impact, celebrating the role of maritime women by fusing history, photography, and textile art installations in a thought-provoking way. We hope that it showcases these maritime pioneers and inspires the next generation to follow in their footsteps.”

Looking to the Future

The SHE_SEES exhibition isn’t just a tribute to the women of the past; it’s an invitation to the women of the future. By showcasing the incredible stories of maritime women, it hopes to inspire the next generation to explore the myriad opportunities the maritime industry holds.

Join us at Boathouse 4, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from August 2 to experience SHE_SEES. Celebrate the past, inspire the future, and be part of changing the tide on diversity in the maritime industry.

Visit the Exhibition:

• Opening Date: Friday, August 2, 2024
• Location: Boathouse 4, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• Admission: Free
• Organizers: Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Portsmouth Historic Quarter, and the University of Portsmouth