New Reuben Chappell ‘Master of the Masts’ exhibition coming to Goole Museum

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

A new landmark ‘Master of Masts’ exhibition at Goole Museum will explore the life and work of Goole’s most famous son, pierhead painter Reuben Chappell (1870-1940).

The opening forms part of Goole’s bicentenary weekend which will take place Friday, 17 to Monday, 20 July, and will see widespread celebrations to mark 200 years since the town was established in 1826.

Featuring paintings and personal objects that have never been on public display, ‘Master of the Masts’ takes visitors on a dramatic journey through the artistic and private life of the celebrated ship portraitist.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council invites the public to attend an opening event which will take place on Saturday, 18 July, 10am to 12pm.

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: ‘’Goole is hosting a fascinating programme of events as part of the Goole 200 celebrations and we cannot wait to welcome people to this new exhibition.

‘’The exhibition shares a wonderful collection of paintings and objects which shine a light on Goole’s rich history whilst celebrating its industry and community which I’m proud to be a part of.’’

The launch will also see the premiere of a new ‘mini documentary’ about Reuben Chappell, which has been commissioned as part of the exhibition.  

As part of the event, a brand new figurative ceramic sculpture that celebrates the town’s legacy of migration, resilience, and working-class unity, will also be unveiled. The sculpture, which will be on permanent display after the unveiling, has been specially commissioned by Goole Museum and created by sculptor Peter Donnelly to mark the town’s bicentenary.

Goole Museum will also open the Associated British Port’s new pop-up exhibition ‘200 years of Docks in Goole’.   

Goole Museum curator, Dr Alex Ombler, said: “People can learn about Chappell’s humble origins in Victorian Goole, where he established himself as a pierhead artist, painting highly accurate pictures of ships for British and foreign sailors who arrived in port.

‘’The exhibition also explores his relocation to the wild and rugged coast of Cornwall, where he continued his artistic work to support his family through personal hardship and war.”

The ‘Master of Masts’ exhibition will run until Saturday, 24 October.

For more information about Goole Museum and to see opening times, please visit: https://eryc.link/goolemuseum

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