Once upon a time at the very edge of the known world lived Sea Monsters. They loved nothing more than eating sailors, wrecking ships and wreaking havoc on the high seas. Returning to port seafarers told terrifying tales and the mariners placed the Monsters on their charts. The dastardly beasts were everywhere!
Tuby brings these ancient myths back to life with an exhibition featuring eight of the most notorious Sea Monsters. Each Monster is carefully designed with reference to the tales and the sea creature likely to be the origin of the story. A characterful depiction of the Monster is presented as a specimen in the tradition of Natural History painting.
Watercolour paints are used with minerals and semi-precious stones ground into the pigment. This gives a shimmer, shine and sparkle well worth a look in person.
The exhibition was held in March 2026 at the Foldyard Gallery, 44 Bridge Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS LOG
“Surreal, delightful and happy. Gorgeously displayed and curated. Thank you!” Jackie L.
“Congratulations. Wonderful vibrant images.” Sophie L.
“Insanely detailed and clever concepts.” Lee M.
“A fascinating exhibition! Unique and remarkable exploration of maritime heritage” David P.
“Absolutely an asset.” David P.
“Inspiring pictures - especially for Idris who loves myths and imagery.” Matthew & Idris B.
“Touches of Berwick in every Monster.” Joan M.
“In California we call this ‘slick’." "Pristine paintings.” Julian L.
“There is a feeling of the Monsters being very old, yet presented in a
fresh contemporary way.” Dave W.
“A real command of watercolour - by far the most difficult medium to paint with.” Anne-Louise K.
PRESS
Berwick is a monstrous muse for artist. Northumberland Gazette
Mythical Monsters of the Sea was made possible in part with a grant awarded by the Create Berwick initiative. The initiative seeks to drive regeneration in Berwick-upon-Tweed with Funding provided by Northumberland County Council and the North East Combined Authority.