Viola Trust to launch virtual recreation of historic steam trawler

PLAN TO RETURN VESSEL TO HULL HAS BEEN ABANDONED AS COSTS SPIRAL

- By DEBORAH HALL

THE Trust set up to bring the historic steam trawler Viola back from the South Atlantic to her home in Hull is to launch Virtual Viola.

This virtual reality depiction of the Viola has been created by experts at the Glasgow School of Art (GSA).

It has also been confirmed by the Trust that its original objective of returning Viola to Hull has been abandoned as a result of the escalation in costs, which followed the global disruption caused by Covid. Virtual Viola will be gifted to Maritime Hull, with the Trust's investment in the project ensuring Viola can take her place among the exhibits and artefacts telling the stories of more than 800 years of seafaring history in the city.

The completed project captures Viola in her various working roles in a short film, which runs to just over 11 minutes, and has been produced as part of the Trust's commitment to raise awareness of the ship, which was built at Beverley in 1906. The film is narrated by the explorer and TV presenter Paul Rose.

Alan Johnson, patron of the Viola Trust and former MP for Hull West and Hessle, said: "When I saw what they had done with new technology and digital technology, it's not just the next best thing it's a startlingly impressive piece of work." Virtual Viola will be premiered at a VIP launch at Trinity House, Hull, on Wednesday, November 26, along with a companion video, Viola - Part of the DNA of Hull, which has been made by Hull-based filmmaker Dave Lee and tells the story of the project.

Both films will also be shown at community locations in and around Hull as a "thank you" to people who have supported the campaign, to update them on how the project has developed and to promote the wider Maritime Hull venture. Built at Beverley shipyard by Cook, Welton & Gemmell in 1906, the Viola will be 120 years old on January 17, 2026.