Friday 22 March 2024, 1pm (via Zoom)
Speaker: Dr Wes Forsythe

In recent decades many of our traditional boats have given way to more modern forms using very different materials and manufacturing techniques. Realising that traditional craft were dwindling, Portstewart native Harry Madill drew on his engineering background to discover, describe and draw the last remaining craft around the northern coasts of Ireland, from Down to Mayo. His work is a unique decades-long attempt to record the last of these vessels and Harry augmented his collection by recording interviews with the individuals using these craft, as well as photographs, and documentary material.

The Madill Archive Project was established to catalogue and digitize Harry’s primary archive to make it more readily accessible to those interested in maritime heritage. Beyond the interests of heritage managers and academics, the work has served as guidance for community groups preserving and using vernacular boats, as well as the new generation of traditional boat-builders. The Madill Archive Project is a collaboration between Ulster University, the Public Record Office (NI), National Museums and Galleries NI, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Ulster Maritime Heritage. It is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.