'Beneath the Waves’ brings together award-winning underwater photography, exquisite marine sketches and rare Glasgow Pottery recovered from a shipwreck to celebrate the extraordinary world beneath the ocean’s surface.

The exhibition has been curated in collaboration with renowned underwater photographer, marine conservationist and writer Lawson Wood; diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce; and Ayrshire underwater artist and writer Christina Riley.

In the exhibition, Lawson Wood, who enjoyed his first scuba dive aged 11 years, draws on 60 years of underwater photography. His images reveal the captivating world of marine life and range from colourful tropical fish and seals to corals and anemone.

‘Beneath the Waves’ also features two rare ceramic bowls by Glasgow-based Bell’s Pottery which were recovered from the wreck of the 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Whiting Bay, Arran, by Oban-based Graeme Bruce and team in July 2024.

Christina Riley’s photographs and pencil drawings were created during her time as a snorkelling-artist-in-residence at the Argyll Hope Spot.

Part of the global Mission Blue initiative led by the legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, the Hope Spots project highlights areas critical to the health of the ocean. Other Hope Spots include the Galapagos Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

'Beneath the Waves’ also features artefacts from the Museum’s national maritime heritage collection and exhibits on loan from North Ayrshire Heritage Trust.

Visitors can also learn more about free diving and how this ancient practice has advanced our understanding of marine archaeology and conservation.