Life-Size Basking Shark Sculpture Captivates Museum Visitors

A magnificent 20-foot willow basking shark has captured the imagination of thousands of visitors while on display here at National Maritime Museum Cornwall. ‘The Basket Shark’ an extraordinary sustainable sculpture created by lead artist and Falmouth University tutor Duncan Cameron, amazed visitors during May Half Term before beginning the next chapter of its ocean advocacy.

From Museum to Beach: A Shark on the Move

After its successful museum display, the impressive sculpture is now making its way to nearby Gyllyngvase Beach, where it will take centre stage for World Ocean Day celebrations on Sunday 8 June. This striking life-size representation of Cetorhinus Maximus – the world’s second-largest fish – serves as both an artistic marvel and a powerful environmental statement.

The sculpture’s journey mirrors the natural migration patterns of real basking sharks, as it will eventually return to Falmouth University’s Woodlane Campus in autumn, completing its own nomadic cycle.

Community Creativity and Conservation

While at the Museum, the Basket Shark was accompanied by willow sculpture workshops led by Duncan Cameron that allowed visitors to dive hands-first into sustainable art-making. Participants crafted their own plankton hats, ready for parade!

The Basket Shark represents the inaugural piece in an ambitious series of carbon-neutral beach sculptures depicting marine animals. Constructed entirely from sustainably grown willow and bamboo, the sculpture embodies environmental responsibility while serving a dual purpose as a collection vessel for discarded plastics.

This innovative project emerged from discussions with Plastic Free Mylor and took shape through collaborative workshops at Falmouth University during the winter and spring months. Students and members of the public joined forces to bring this remarkable vision to life, demonstrating the power of community engagement in environmental action.

World Ocean Day Celebration

The sculpture’s parade to Gyllyngvase Beach for World Ocean Day on Sunday 8 June promises to be a spectacular sight. As the Basket Shark settles onto the sand, it will continue its mission of raising awareness about ocean health and plastic pollution, serving as both a beacon of hope and a call to action for beachgoers and marine enthusiasts alike.

Join the World Ocean Day parade and witness this incredible fusion of art, sustainability, and ocean advocacy in action!

Catch up on recent coverage:

BBC Radio Cornwall interview

BBC News feature

Follow the journey of the Basket Shark and discover more about the Beach Beasties project on Instagram @beachbeasties