'Cargoes' by Hew Locke

'Cargoes' by Hew Locke

'Cargoes' is a permanent public art trail of six cast-bronze boat sculptures by artist Hew Locke, located at King Edward Memorial Park in Wapping, London. Commissioned by Tideway, the artwork celebrates the maritime history, trade, and diverse communities connected to the River Thames.

The Sculptures

Ranging in size from approximately 100 cm by 30 cm (40 inches by 12 inches), the six vessels form an accessible trail through the park towards the waterfront and are positioned low to the ground to invite physical interaction and close viewing, the trail includes:

Bangladesh River Boat: Honours the heritage of local East London communities.

Carrack: Represents a historical merchant sailing ship.

Chinese Junk: Reflects traditional East Asian seafaring design.

Rubbish/Flat Barge: Highlights utility and everyday river labour.

Thames Barge: Focuses on historical local commercial cargo transport.

Tugboat: Symbolises the essential working vessels of the Thames.

Context and Inspiration

The cultural theme for the East section of the Tideway tunnel is The Shipping Parishes – Gateway to the World. Within this framework, the narrative for King Edward Memorial Park focuses on Sailortown, international diaspora, and progressive politics.

In response to Tideway’s Heritage Interpretation Strategy (HIS), Locke developed sculptures that draw on the site's historical ties to mercantile and dock communities. The artwork examines the far-reaching impact of Britain’s maritime power and trading empire on diverse ethnic, social, and economic groups, both locally and globally.

Locke’s research into the symbolic significance of ships as vessels for travel and trade, and as metaphors for human passage led him to incorporate intricate decorative motifs referencing Thames history from Celtic times onward. His process included consultations with local groups, such as the Boitok Group at St Hilda’s East Community Centre, the Coriander Club at Spitalfields City Farm, and the Hermitage Community Moorings, alongside institutions like the National Maritime Museum and the Museum of London.

Fabrication and Placement

The sculptures were fabricated in bronze using the traditional lost-wax process, developed through close collaboration between Locke and skilled fabricators. Locke created full-scale models to capture rich surface textures and fine details. These models were translated into bronze through a multi-stage casting process involving 3D-printed patterns, rubber and plaster moulds, wax casts, and detailed hand-finishing.

Integrated directly into the park landscaping and low plinths, the sculptures are positioned to be discovered from multiple vantage points, connecting the newly reopened riverside park with the Thames foreshore.

Artist Statements

Reflecting on the design and intent of the project, Hew Locke noted:

“The boats are set low, as I want to encourage touching, curiosity and interaction. 

They are conversation pieces, and a landmark. 

Human figures are not depicted so you can imagine yourself aboard. 

In many cultures, ships are symbolic of a persons’ passage through life and as a container of the soul."

“I have not created accurate models of boats, but sculptural re-imaginings, incorporating decoration and symbolism. The real cargo of these boats are the exchange of cultures, goods and ideas.”