The Listening Table has a story to tell of the struggles and challenges faced by those who seek to make a living out of the sea. It voices the frustrations and uncertainties felt by those who catch and sell fish commercially in the early twenty-first century.

Guests will be encouraged to explore the table and its stories and then to engage in a critical discussion, provoked by academics from the arts and social sciences. The panel will be chaired by Dr Rob Skinner (University of Bristol, Historical Studies) and will include:

Amy Rose and the story of the Listening Table,

Dr Lydia Medland (University of Bristol, Sociology and Politics) with a tale of tinned sardines,

Dr Lucy McCarthy (University of Bristol, Business School) on the challenge of sustainable seafood supply chains, and,

Dr Laurence Publicover (University of Bristol, English) on the lore and the law of the sea.

The Listening Table was developed by Amy Rose, Synnøve Fredericks and Pete Bennett and was funded by the Brigstow Institute of the University of Bristol. It will be on display to the public at Sparks Bristol between 23-Feb and 23rd March 2024.

Photographer Paul Blakemore