Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Nelson's Ship in a Bottle on display at Trafalgar Square?
The work was commissioned by the Mayor of London for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square where it has been on temporary display since May 2010. The Fourth Plinth Programme is now recognised as the most high profile public art commission in Europe. As part of the Mayor's Cultural Strategy, the programme brings world class contemporary art to the heart of the city to unlock debate and discussion about London, contemporary art and public space. Artists previously commissioned to make works for the plinth include Antony Gormley, Thomas Schütte and Mark Quinn.

How long will the campaign last?
We’re hoping that we will have raised the £362,500 by spring 2012, with a view to the work being unveiled in its new permanent home shortly thereafter.

What happens to any excess funds raised in the appeal, after the target has been reached?
Once the appeal target is reached, any surplus donations received by the Art Fund may be retained to cover any outstanding appeal costs or shared with the National Maritime Museum to cover costs related to the work, such as the plinth, conservation, education or interpretation, unless the donor has requested that the money be returned.

What happens to the funds raised in the appeal if the target is not reached, and the campaign is ‘unsuccessful’?
If we’re approaching our anticipated deadline and it seems as though we’re not likely to raise the money in time, we will, in the first instance, review the timeline and redouble our efforts. We’re confident that this campaign is entirely achievable, and a cultural cause that many people will be happy to commit to. If in the unfortunate event we are unable to secure the work, any monies not requested to be returned by donors, would be used by the Art Fund or National Maritime Museum for a similar kind of activity.

How did the ship get in the bottle?
The artist would prefer to keep some parts of the artistic process a mystery...

Is the work really durable for long-term outdoor display? Won’t the glass break?
The bottle has been fabricated from acrylic rather than glass, which is an extremely durable and robust plastic. It would be impossible to blow glass at this large scale and the fragility of the material and weight were also taken into consideration. Acrylic is stronger and could be moulded into the complex shape of the bottle. Indeed, acrylic was chosen because it is suitable for an outdoors environment in a public space such as Trafalgar Square or Greenwich Park. The actual structure of the bottle is highly innovative and the one of the biggest bottles ever.

What is the Art Fund?
The Art Fund is the national charity for art, helping UK museums and galleries to buy, show and share art. Over the past 5 years, the Art Fund has given £24 million to buy art and supported a range of projects and programmes aimed at helping more people enjoy art. It is independently funded by 85,000 supporters who purchase a National Art Pass, costing from just £37.50, which gives free entry to over 200 museums, galleries and historic houses across the country as well as 50% off major exhibitions.

Is this the first time the Art Fund has specially fundraised for a work of contemporary art?
This is the first special fundraising campaign the Art Fund has organised for a museum to acquire a work of contemporary art. However, the Art Fund has been involved in supporting British museums and galleries develop their collections of the best contemporary art since its inception in 1903.

In the last twenty years the Art Fund has helped acquire over 9,000 contemporary works by 700 different artists which are now in 165 museums and galleries across the UK.

How can I support the Art Fund more widely?
By buying a National Art Pass you will help the Art Fund buy, show and share more great works of art across the UK. You can also make a donation or become a member of our Patron's Circle which runs an exclusive programme of events for its supporters. You can also join our volunteers across the country.

Why is the National Maritime Museum the natural home for this work?
Yinka Shonibare, MBE’s work relates to the National Maritime Museum’s existing holdings in a number of important ways. It resonates powerfully with some of the most celebrated historic objects in the collection, including the stern of HMS Implacable (originally a French ship that was captured after the Battle of Trafalgar, renamed and taken into the Royal Navy) and, most vividly, the coat Nelson was wearing when he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar. These historic connections will become all the more apparent as the National Maritime Museum develops a series of new and refurbished galleries over the next five years focusing on the Navy and Nelson, Maritime London and, newly opened in September 2011, the Traders gallery, telling the story of the East India Company and Britain’s trade with Asia.

Yinka Shonibare, MBE’s work is the world’s largest example of a ship in a bottle and what the artist calls these ‘objects of wonder’. It is also a striking demonstration of contemporary ship model making, continuing an artistic and craft tradition that has long been popular in this country and is well represented at the National Maritime Museum. 

When will the work go on display at the National Maritime Museum?
If the campaign is successful the work will go on display before the 2012 Olympics.