Morgan's Ships

Morgan's Ship is a large wooden sculpture and picnic area at Little Jamaica at Grøsnes in Gratangen. Here, art, local volunteer spirit and the fjord landscape by the Astafjorden create a unique attraction along the coast.

Description

Morgan's Ship stands by the sea in Little Jamaica, Grøsnes, at the entrance to Gratangen in South Troms. The sculpture was created by the Swedish multi-artist Calle Örnemark and came to Gratangen in the summer of 2008. It is a free fantasy of the rigging of the frigate Oxford, the ship Henry Morgan sailed on in the Caribbean in the 1600s.

The sculpture has become a clear monument to creativity, rural mobilization and local will. It was erected with a joint effort from the village, public and private actors, Gratangen municipality and Troms county municipality. As a dream and a symbol of development, learning, play and good forces.

Morgan's Ship is built from recycled material, in keeping with the artist's spirit. The sculpture was dismantled for restoration on October 13, 2020 and erected again on July 26, 2021. During the restoration, children and young people helped to give the sculpture a message of decolonization and peace. Local traces were also linked to the work, including ropes from northern Norwegian shores and boathouses, and ropes from "Brann", a historic boat from Gratangen.

The place also serves as a popular picnic area along the coastal road. Visitors can walk down to the sculpture, see the details up close and experience the meeting between the large wooden sculpture, fjord, weather and local involvement. For up-to-date information about the café, events and activities on site, see morgansskip.org.