The Mariners
Commissioned by Medway Sculpture Trust. A publicly-funded piece, initiated for the millennium
Bronze, 2000, Stainless steel and concrete, 35ft-high
Location: St Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime, Medway, Kent
Artist: Sam Holland
Unveiled: by Zandra Rhodes
Cost: The six-figure cost of the project was funded entirely by local people and businesses and Sam was instrumental in setting up the Medway Sculpture Trust with local businessmen and Medway MP Bob Marshall-Andrews QC.
Features: There are two mariners pulling on stainless steel sails. An old Jack Tar figure representing the past life of the river and a young woman in a wetsuit representing the future of the river. The mast is the turning point of the millennium.
Plinth: Poem by Nick Jenkins reflecting the maritime history of the River Medway.
Purpose: A publicly funded piece, initiated for the millennium.
"There was a huge sense of responsibility in this special project because it was funded by the community.
"It generated tremendous local and national interest, and it is extremely satisfying to be part of a charitable trust that will hopefully develop a sculpture trail throughout Medway with The Mariners as the catalyst."
Sam Holland
An eye-catching celebration of Medway's maritime heritage
The Mariners is Sam Holland’s largest piece to date, standing proudly on the banks of the River Medway at St. Mary's Island in Chatham.
Completed in the year 2000, this monumental bronze, steel, and concrete sculpture was commissioned to mark the Millennium and to celebrate the rich maritime heritage of the region. At an impressive 35 feet high, it has become a striking landmark, reflecting both the historical and future significance of the river to the local community.
The sculpture features two mariners, captured in dynamic poses as they pull on the stainless steel sails. The figures are symbolic of the past and future of the river. On one side, an old Jack Tar figure—a traditional sailor in a weathered pose—represents the river’s deep historical connection to the maritime industry, evoking the spirit of sailors who once worked its waters. On the other side, a young woman in a wetsuit embodies the future of the river, symbolizing the modern era of water sports and the sustainable, forward-thinking use of the waterway.
The sails themselves are a dramatic focal point of the piece. Constructed of stainless steel, they are designed to turn on a single mast, acting as a symbolic ‘turning point’ for the new millennium. This movement echoes the shift from the industrial past to a more vibrant, diverse future for the Medway area.
The six-figure cost of The Mariners was funded entirely by local people and businesses, demonstrating the strong sense of community and pride in the region's maritime history. Sam Holland played a pivotal role in the creation of the sculpture, not only as its lead artist but also in organising funding and support. He helped establish the Medway Sculpture Trust with local businessmen and Medway MP Bob Marshall-Andrews QC, ensuring that the project was realised through a collaborative effort.
The Mariners is not just a work of art; it is a testament to the spirit of community and the enduring connection between the Medway River and the people who live along its banks. It serves as both a historical marker and a beacon for future generations, celebrating the ongoing relationship between humanity and the water that shapes the landscape.
