Ships from the romantic era of sail were stealing the show at Barrow's Dock Museum in 1995.

Internationally famous marine artist Edward D Walker had captured sea fever on canvas with his exhibition, which was collectively valued at more than £50,000.

Mr Walker was born in Hull in 1937 into a family whose sea-faring tradition dated back to 1617. He moved to Liverpool during World War Two and attended Liverpool College of Art.

He had exhibited in Britain, Europe and the United States and his works hung in public, private and royal collections.

He was invited to show his work at the Paris Salon by the Society of French artists.

The artist's work included naval battle scenes and such subjects as the QE2's 25th anniversary.

His works were characterised by authenticity and attention to detail.

All the works at the Dock Museum were for sale. 

A Newcastle Tall Ships painting was 30 inches by 20 inches and had a price-tag of £4,200.

Also in 1995, children had been making their mark at workshops held at the Dock Museum.

The youngsters had been taking part in a rubber-stamping workshop, learning the creative skills of the traditional stamp.

The 'Designability' rubber-stamping workshops were arranged by Louise Irving.

In 1997 Steve Blackbourn, 25, was the new collections manager at the Dock Museum, moving from Aldershot where he had been curator of the Parachute Regiment's museum for 18 months.

Steve said: "The reason I got this job is because I'm a professional curator who has done training in maritime heritage studies."

After studying at St Andrew's University, he had worked as a volunteer for six months at the Fishing Heritage Centre in his native Grimsby.

His grandfather ran a painting company on Grimsby docks and he spent hours as a child clambering over fishing boats.

His first job was at a small folk and maritime museum at Barton on Humber.