The Silver Origin has arrived in Manta, Ecuador, ready to welcome its passengers. When the Silver Origin begins its voyages through the Galápagos archipelago later this year, a collection of 195 pieces of art will enrich passengers' journeys, comprising 122 framed artworks, 69 sculptures, and four installations.
The art collection combines contemporary and historical pieces, showcasing the rich history of voyages to the Galápagos archipelago, as well as the region's scientific importance and distinctive natural beauty. In some cases, the artworks will provide context for Charles Darwin's legendary second voyage aboard the HMS Beagle; in others, they will inspire deeper reflection on the islands' unique wildlife. As guests enjoy the collection, including the artworks adorning the walls of their own suites, they have the opportunity to marvel at and delve into the islands' history and to feel the excitement of the great explorers and naturalists.
Focusing on the beauty and astonishing wildlife of the Galápagos, Silversea's new expedition ship will strengthen passengers' connection to the islands through this onboard collection. Displayed in public spaces and suites, the collection includes elegantly framed artwork, sculptures, rare books, original artifacts and replicas, and unusual objects gathered from both local and international sources.
To curate this collection, Silversea enlisted Peter Millard and Partners Ltd., a London-based art consultancy. Creative Director Ally Millard explains: “We wanted to ensure this collection not only showcased historical and traditional artworks, but also incorporated pieces such as watercolors, photographs, and paintings of the Galápagos Islands, as seen through the eyes of contemporary artists and travelers, offering passengers fresh artistic discoveries to enrich their journeys.”.
Millard scoured major universities and libraries for collections related to historical expeditions and leveraged the expertise and resources of the UK’s Royal Geographical Society with IBG. “The Royal Geographical Society houses rare and unique items linked to the documentation, mapping, and scientific knowledge of the Galápagos in Europe,” says Alasdair MacLeod, Director of Enterprise and Resources at the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers). “We are delighted that they will be on display as part of the Silver Origin art collection.”
One of Silver Origin's most innovative spaces, Basecamp, is specially designed to bring the destination on board. It's the heart of the ship, where educational activities are held and where passengers can interact with Silversea's team of expert guides to learn more about the rare wildlife, landscapes, and captivating history of the Galápagos Islands, both before and after excursions. It's also the central area for the art collection, with walls displaying elegantly framed maps and illustrations, and glass cases housing a collection of contemporary sculptures, artifacts, and rare books.
“We have created an art collection that pays homage to the beauty, history, and wonders of the Galápagos, while entertaining and educating our passengers,” says Fernando Delgado, Vice President of Silversea Cruises Ecuador. “We look forward to welcoming passengers to the grand 'hall of wonders' that is our beautiful new Silver Origin.”
Basecamp's art collection includes:
- Books of Antiquities: Rare editions of Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" and "The Zoology of the Voyage of HMS Beagle", and "Galapagos: The End of the World", by William Beebe, distinguished American biologist and explorer.
- Pre-Columbian sculptures: A Chimu ceramic vessel from Peru, c. 1000 AD, and a painted Vicús terracotta whistling vessel in the shape of a dog, from Peru, c. 200 AD.
- Explorer's objects: It is an armillary sphere, terrestrial globe, sextant and compass from the 19th century.
- “Maps of Botanical Geography”: a seminal map by Alexander von Humboldt, the famous German naturalist and explorer who lived during the 18th and 19th centuries. (Work reproduced with permission of the Royal Geographical Society with IBG.) Contemporary sculptures: Bird sculptures by Ecuadorian artist Joaquín Tinta; “Efflorescence,” a porcelain sculpture by Kenyan-born British artist Vanessa Hogge; a large bronze turtle by American sculptor Scott Shaffer; and an antique book by paper artist Anna Bonino of CRIZU.
For all three Veranda Suite categories, American artist Paula Mattson was commissioned to create limited-edition watercolors of wildlife, featuring marine iguanas and butterflies. The Deluxe Veranda Suites also feature an original collage by British artist Julian Bray. Watercolors by Conrad Martens, the artist who was aboard the HMS Beagle when Charles Darwin traveled to the Galápagos, are complemented by contemporary works from artists such as Humphrey Bangham, Simon Bingle, Karenina Fabrizzi, and Julian Bray.
Original nature-inspired artworks by artists Gregor Törzs, Frank Faulkner, and Alan Bur Johnson will enhance the dining experience. These include a piece titled “Murmuration 2020,” located around the seating area. The artwork’s concept, a magnifying glass, was conceived by the ship’s interior architects, Hirsch-Bedner Associates, and then developed by Peter Millard and Partners Ltd. in collaboration with artist Alan Bur Johnson. When viewed, the installation evokes the sensation of looking through a magnifying glass, as early naturalists might have done when collecting specimens and studying the wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
With floor-to-ceiling windows offering passengers panoramic views of the Galápagos, Silver Origin's Explorers Lounge is the setting for the Guides' daily briefings and lectures. Here, artwork presents the Galápagos through the eyes of the contemporary traveler, with a collection of sketchbooks, watercolors, drawings, and other works by contemporary amateur and professional artists. The collection includes an abstract bronze resin sculpture by British artist Lynn Warren, as well as a watercolor of Galápagos storm petrels by American painter Karen Rose.
In the Observation Lounge, where passengers can enjoy sweeping views of the Galápagos Islands or relax with a book, the artwork includes wildlife photographs by Ecuadorian photographer Fernando Espinosa, abstract porcelain sculptures by French artist Pascal Morin and British artist Katharine Morling, ceramics by Ecuadorian artist Eduardo Vega and Brazilian artist Selma Calheira, and brass bird sculptures by Joaquín Tinta. There are also bronze sculptures by British artists Anthony Smith and Jemma Pearson.
The Silver Origin's art collection would not be complete without the works of internationally renowned photographer Steve McCurry. Among his travels is Ecuador, where he photographed the culture and people, and Silversea is honored to display several of his Ecuadorian portraits in various areas of the ship. McCurry has also traveled to the Galápagos Islands, and two of his wildlife photographs from his visit adorn the exterior walls of the restaurant.
