Greasy Luck: Scrimshaw, An American Folk Art with Jonathan Blum
Greasy Luck: Scrimshaw, An American Folk Art with Jonathan Blum
Join us for a fascinating presentation on scrimshaw by Jonathan Blum. Jonathan has owned a historic (c. 1780) home on the Vineyard since 1989, which began his interest in Island history. He learned that much of the Island’s early wealth came from the whaling industry and was intrigued to learn how whales were captured for their precious oil, while some of the byproducts were carved by sailors into beautiful decorative objects such as scrimshaw. Jonathan began collecting scrimshaw and other maritime objects, and today is one of the country’s leading experts on the topic. Some of his collection can be found at The Carnegie in Edgartown, while other pieces were displayed as part of the Cahoon Museum’s exhibition on scrimshaw. Jonathan will provide a colorful history of whaling in the 19th century and its ties to Martha’s Vineyard and share images of the period and antique pieces in his collection.
When Jonathan is not collecting scrimshaw, he can be found at Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery, which he established in 2014.
Preregistration encouraged.
MVM Members: $10; Non-Members: $15.
DETAILS
| Date | October 25, 2023 |
|---|---|
| From | 5:00 pm |
| To | 6:00 pm |
| Type | Talk |
| Venue | Martha’s Vineyard Museum |