The Scottish Maritime Museum is proud to present a thought-provoking and engaging exhibition titled “All Mortal Greatness is but Disease” from September 17th to February 11th, 2024. This exhibition delves deep into Scotland’s industrial whaling history, which has unfortunately been largely forgotten by many. The title of the exhibition is taken from Herman Melville’s acclaimed novel “Moby Dick,” which masterfully captures the ambivalence and brutality of industrial whaling.

Using history, science, photography, and art, visitors will have the opportunity to explore Scotland’s significant contribution to this industry and the opportunities it offered for prosperity and adventure. Despite its cruel and gruesome nature, whaling was a highly profitable industry that nearly led to the extinction of certain species. This exhibition seeks to educate the public about the importance of protecting marine life and the need for legal regulations to safeguard the environment and individual species.

To further increase awareness, the Scottish Maritime Museum has partnered with Whale and Dolphin Conservation to provide workshops and talks on this crucial matter. The exhibition concludes by examining the impact of whales and whaling on a global scale, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for the significance of marine life and the importance of preserving it for future generations.