One of the most fully realized of the paintings that resulted from Bradford's Arctic voyage in 1869, Ice Dwellers Watching the Invaders (cl 870s) contributed to his reputation as the Painter ofthe Polar Regions. The auxiliary steam-powered sealing bark Panther is shown among the icebergs andfield ice ofMelville Bay under the light
Sailing Ships and Arctic Seas, contaznzng essays on the artist's life and works, 78 color reproductions, 28 sepia-tones and 70 half tones, is available from the museum store for $50 he and $35 pb + $5 s/h. (New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 j ohnny Cake Hill, New Bedford MA 02740; 5 08 997-0046; web site: www.whalingmuseum.org). 1 This and subsequenrquotarions from Bradford are taken from an inrerview late in his li fe and reco rded by F. H. Kasson in Leonard Boll es Ellis, History of New Bedford and Its Vicinity, 1602-1892(SyracuseNY, 1892) . Biographical derails of Bradford's li fe can be found in rhe author's catalogue essay, "William Bradford," in William Bradford: Sailing Ships and Arctic Seas (New Bedford MA, 2003). 2 For an informed discussion of influences on Bradford's style, see Eri k A. R. Ronn berg, Jr. , "Wil liam Bradford: Mastering Fo rm and Developing a Style," in the exhibi tion catalogue. 3 The basic source for rhe voyage is William Bradford, The Arctic Regions (London, 1873). See also Adam Greenhalgh, 'The Not So Truthful Lens : William Bradford and T he Arctic Regions," in rhe exhibition caralogue.
ofthe midnight sun. The "ice dwellers" ofthe title are two seals and a polar bear with her cubs, who observe the entry ofcivilization into a remote and hitherto pristine world. (Ice Dwellers Watching the Invaders (1870s), 34" x 52 ''. oil on canvas. Signed lower left: "Wm Bradford. ")
WHALING MUSEUM CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL T he New Bedford Whaling Museum is the wo rld's leading interpreter of the global whaling story. The museum relates this story on a broad canvas, tracing the triumphs and tragedies of the whaling trade when it was one of America's major industries and New Bedford was the wo rld's leading whaling port. Soon after its founding in 1903, the Old D arrmouth Historical Society es tablished the New Bedford Whal ing M useum, recognizing the vital role that whaling played in the community. For a century it has been a respected institutio n that preserves and presents the legacy of New England- based whaling in the age of sail. A recent m ajor expansion of the museum and its research center is making it possible to exhibit and house the most comprehensive collecti o n of artifacts encompassing seven centuries of Am erican and worldwide nautical art, history and culture. As the world's preeminent whaling institution, the museum invites visitors to reflect on the complex issues-past and present-that the whaling story reveals. In 2003 , the museum celebrates its centennial with new, interactive exhibitions, an expanded array of program s and collaborations, increased research opportunities, and state-of-the-art fac ilities. As the cultural keystone of the So uth Coast of Massachusetts and the anchor institution of the New Bedford Whaling National Histo rical Park, the museum is an important resource for understanding the profound influence of the whaling industry o n the region, the nation, and the wo rld. The New Bedford Whaling Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford MA; 508 997-0046; web site: www.whalingm useum .org. The museum is open daily from 9AM to 5PM. Admission is $8 for ad ults, $7 for seniors and $6 for children, ages 6 to 14.
SEA HISTORY 104, SPRING/SUMMER 2003
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