Arts & Culture

Whale Fishery. Published by: Currier & Ives

Whaling had an impact on the American imagination and influenced American literature, painting, fashion, and folk art. In New Bedford, the whaling economy financed homes, businesses, and public buildings, and influenced the local architecture and landscape.

 

"An Incident of Whaling," by William Bradford. Image courtesy: Wiki Commons

The Artists
The whaling industry influenced writers and painters, but New Bedford's 19^th-century art scene stretched beyond its waterfront. More information.

 

Rotch-Jones-Duff House. Photo courtesy: NPS

Architecture & Masonry
Federal style, Greek revival, or Italianate... New Bedford's buildings were designed with the money coming in from the whaling industry. More information.

 

Scrimshaw by E.Burdett. Image courtesy: Wiki Commons

Maritime Influence
New Bedford's maritime culture and diversity hugely influenced its artwork. Crafts included everything from etched whale bone to Azorean tiles to seashell souvenirs. More information.