The Mariner
Located on the median between Robinson Street and the Marine Museum parking lot, The Mariner looks out onto Lake Erie. A reminder of Port Burwell's connection with the Great Lakes, The Mariner serves as a link of our history and looking forward to the future.
The Mariner provided the inspiration for the Port Burwell Historical Society's most recent logo.
2025 - 2026 Restoration process
The Beginning
Our noble Mariner is showing the effects of battling the elements. In the fall of 2025 the PBHS, decided a restoration of our noteworthy carving was necessary to ensure he could continue his vigil in downtown Port Burwell for years to come.
The Removal
On November 18, 2025, The Mariner was securely removed from the top of his pedestal.
A huge shout out to all the community members who provided the expertise and equipment necessary for this delicate lift.
Transportation
After The Mariner was removed from the pedestal, he was loaded on a trailer and transported to a heated facility deep in the heart of Port Burwell where volunteers will complete the restoration throughout the winter.
You can clearly see the wear & tear in the wheel that caused it to collapse during the lift.
Want To Help
The Port Burwell Historical Society can always use your woodworking skills in restoring The Mariner. If you are interested in working with us on this project, please contact us via the button below.
About The Sculptor - Peter Turrell
Peter Turrell is a Canadian Artist whose works include sculpture, painting and photography. He grew up next to the Luther Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary instilling in him a fascination with the Canadian landscape. His art has grown out of these early influences and shows a uniquely Canadian character, complimented by the opportunity to study with Native American and Classical European carvers while a young man. He has always considered wood his specialty and has spent a good portion of his life trying to make sense of the world through exploration and expression in this medium.
" As the sculptor, you are aware of what your audience will see, that's the technical side. The mystery is what they will feel. That's the part that makes you an Artist, the viewer to be pulled into the feeling you were trying to present, to provoke thought, challenge their sensory perception, touch their humanity. These are the goals of true artists. The development of a style that spans the ages, perhaps inspiring someone to perform an act of greatness in their own lives. It is my opinion that in this next century, the adversity will no longer be with the church, nor the state; but the division between being another ordinary person or a true spiritual Human Being. If in my life I were able to say I was part of a creative movement, like for example Impressionism or Cubism, I would like that it was 'the Age of Enlightenment'."
When not creating art, Peter feeds the other aspects of his personality by way of the Millennium Institution; a project founded by he and his partner Donna Pascoe, to promote and develop sustainable autonomous housing designs and environmental living. He feels this helps to balance his sense of priorities in life. For additional information regarding e Millennium Institution, please visit http://millenniuminstitution.com/index.php
Peter's works are in public, private and corporate collections internationally and are recognised by his seal of the Stag's Head. He maintains a studio outside Grand Valley, Ontario, Canada.
