Please note – some people may find this page upsetting. We’d advise caution if sharing this story with those under the age of 14. However, the activity on this page is suitable for all ages but some people may still be upset by its content.

‘The Old Fish Market’, damaged during World War One
Scarborough Art Gallery

Most viewers of this painting will almost immediately notice that it has experienced significant damage. You can see there are scratches, holes and tears in the centre of the canvas and to the left of the scene. These was caused on the tragic day of the Scarborough bombardment during the First World War.

The event happened on the 16th December, 1914, when German Battlecruisers sailed along the North East and Yorkshire coastline, bombarding the towns of Hartlepool, Whitby and Scarborough, resulting in the death of more than 100 civilians. 17 people, including men, women and children were killed in Scarborough. They were the first civilian casualties of the war. The East Coast bombardment led to a national UK propaganda and army recruitment campaign, featuring the slogan ‘Remember Scarborough’.

What do we know about the painting?

This painting depicts the fish market in Scarborough in the foreground, with the background appearing more blurred, possibly suggesting mist in the air or sea fret. Spots of white have been painted here and there to suggest flecks of sunlight. It was painted by J. Chambers, an artist known to have been active during the 19th century.

The Old Fish Market, Scarborough, J. Chambers from the Scarborough Museums and Galleries collection

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

This painting was hanging in the house of Alderman John Hall at 28 Westbourne Park, Scarborough. A local architect and Justice of the Peace, Hall was the oldest person to lose his life during the attack on Scarborough.

This has been commemorated in recent years with a blue plaque to mark the house. The painting was donated to the town by John’s widow and is now in the collection of Scarborough Art Gallery. It measures 65cm (H) x 88cm (W).

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Activity – how do we know what happened that day? Examine a variety of sources to decide. (Please note, some people may find this content upsetting)

Talking Points

Look closely at the painting. What characters can you identify? What might they be be doing at the fish market?

It was donated to Scarborough Art Gallery because it helps to commemorate the Scarborough bombardment, but why might it have ended up in the gallery even without damage?

Why do think the painting was kept?

Do you think the damage to the painting makes it more important as an artwork?

Have you ever kept something that was broken or damaged?

Vocabulary

Civilian – a ‘non-military’ person who is not in either the police force or armed services

In the Classroom

Role Play

After you have worked through the activity to explore source material from the bombardment, hold a press conference in the classroom, given by the town mayor. This could be the teacher in role, or you could select two or three students to take on the roles of mayor, deputy and assistant.

You’ll need lots of students to be reporters in the audience, asking questions about the event, the reactions of the townspeople and plans to clean up the town. Think carefully about what messages the mayor may wish to give.

Newspaper account courtesy of Scarborough Museums and Galleries

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Discuss

What different language techniques can you find in the extract from the Scarborough pictorial – these were all published together, a week after the bombardment. Can students find sensationalist language, alliteration, or triplication?