Contrary Life

Contrary Life is a website covering quirky events across the UK.

  • Home
  • About
  • Events by region
    • North East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • East
    • London
    • South East
    • South West
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales
Home > Curiosity of the week > Widows and Bairns look out to sea

Widows and Bairns look out to sea

By Caroline King - September 30, 2020Posted in : Art, Curiosity of the week, Exhibition, Heritage

Our latest Curiosity of the Week is an unusual and touching sculpture, commemorating the 1881 fishing disaster known as ‘Black Friday’.

Eyemouth Sculpture, Widows and Bairns, Black Friday
The Eyemouth Widows and Bairns sculpture

This intricate bronze sculpture, found in the Scottish coastal town of Eyemouth, depicts the families of fishermen caught up in the tragic events of 1881.

On 14th October 1881, a storm hit the south-east coast of Scotland, with tragic consequences for the fishing communities along the stretch of coastline. A total of 189 fishermen died, 129 of whom were from Eyemouth. A massive loss to the families and the community.

The Eyemouth Sculpture

The Eyemouth artwork features the 78 widows and 182 bairns, who lost their husbands and fathers in the tragedy. The piece was unveiled in October 2016 to commemorate the 135th anniversary of the disaster.

Eyemouth Sculpture, Widows and Bairns, Black Friday
Families depicted in the intricate Eyemouth Sculpture

The sculpture is one of four that are located along the coast. The others can be found at St Abbs, Burnmouth and Cove. The sculptures have been placed in the communities where the victims and their families were from. Each sculpture represents a real person affected by the tragedy, making it all the more poignant.

Where to find the sculptures

These unusual and moving works of art were created by sculptor Jill Watson, who is herself from Cove. The Eyemouth sculpture can be found at the Bantry on the sea front.

For the sculpture at Cove, follow the signs for the village and follow the road to the end where the car park is situated. You’ll see the small bronze piece facing towards the sea.

At St Abbs, head towards the harbour and stop next to the visitor centre. There you’ll find the sculpture, wives and children gazing out to sea. Do pop into the centre whilst you’re there, it’s worth a look if you’re interested in the local area.

St Abbs Sculpture, Widows and Bairns, Black Friday
Looking out to sea, the St Abbs sculpture

The Burnmouth sculpture can be found in the harbour wall, so you’ll need to head down to Lower Burnmouth, or follow the coastal walk which takes in all of the sculpture locations.

If you found this interesting, check out our other Curiosity of the Week discoveries!

We are always on the lookout for interesting customs, hidden places, and unique buildings and landmarks, to share with our readers. If you have an idea for Curiosity of the Week then please do get in touch, we welcome suggestions from everyone. You can contact us by emailing info@contrarylife.com or send us a message via Facebook.

Related Posts

  • Your chance to own some Art on a Postcard
  • Watch out for grave robbers in Scotland

Tagged With: Curiosity of the week, Free events, Scotland

Curiosity of the Week

Woodhenge, Stonehenge’s lesser-known neighbour
Woodhenge - ©English Heritage, Historic England Photo Library

You have heard of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, but have you heard of its lesser known neighbour, Woodhenge? Find out more in our latest Curiosity of the Week…

Top Story

Fakes, forgeries and misinformation at Royal Society Late
Dragon Fish - The Royal Society Lates in March

Next month, the Royal Society’s Late event mixes tomfoolery with science as it tackles fake news and hoaxes…

What are you looking for today?

  • Alternative Sport
  • Art
  • Cabaret and Circus
  • Cinema
  • Classes, Workshops & Talks
  • Club Night
  • Comedy
  • Dance
  • Exhibitions and Installations
  • Fairs and Markets
  • Festival
  • Food & Drink
  • Heritage and History
  • Interview
  • Literature
  • Museum
  • Music
  • Nature and Outdoors
  • Review
  • Science and Technology
  • Theatre
  • Walks and Tours

Sign up to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 · Contrary Life