Inuit Parka Undergoes Conservation
Conservation work has recently been carried out on a sealskin parka which can usually be seen on display at Hull Maritime Museum. The parka and canoe had been on show under strong fluorescent lights for many years, which had resulted in the skin becoming dry and brittle. Now new LED lighting has been installed to lower the temperature inside the case and the parka has undergone treatment to repair the holes and soften the skin so it could be returned to display. This was made possible by funding from Museums Development Yorkshire and public donations. The parka is believed to be associated with two Inuit people called Uckaluk and Memiadluk who came to Hull in 1847 with Captain Parker, a famous whale ship captain, to raise funds for their community. During their stay they were thrilled to see a model of an Inuit sitting in a kayak on public display, and this same model is thought to be the one that they saw. The owner of this parka tragically drowned in Hull's Garrison Moat whilst giving a display of kayaking. Little else is known about this Inuit man or his visit to Hull. His possessions were later given to the Hull Literary and Philosophical Society by the Arctic explorer Sir John Ross. Several Inuit people visited Hull during the 19th century, arriving onboard Hull's whalers and always causing great interest, the first recorded visit being in 1815.
