Captain James Braund (1808–1898) 1985

Editor: Here we have "Captain James Braund," a bronze sculpture made in 1985. It strikes me as a really solid, grounded piece. There's a weight to the figure that's both literal, given the bronze, and emotional. What aspects of the historical context might be informing the presence this sculpture holds? Curator: That sense of weight you perceive is interesting, isn’t it? Given its location at the North Devon Maritime Museum, this bust participates in a longer history of commemorating figures deemed important for public memory. The choice to render Captain Braund in bronze, a classical material, elevates him, suggesting enduring significance. But, who gets remembered, and how? Consider the museum's role – it actively shapes the narrative by choosing to display this work. Why Captain Braund, and not, say, a common sailor? Editor: So it’s less about Braund himself, perhaps, and more about the values the museum wants to project? Is it promoting a specific kind of maritime history? Curator: Precisely. It’s presenting a curated version of history. Whose stories are told, and from whose perspective? We need to consider how this image functions within the socio-political context of North Devon. Does it celebrate local industry, reinforce certain power structures, or something else entirely? Does his likeness offer clues as to what qualities were seen as virtuous at the time? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered how much the museum's choices actively construct a historical narrative, beyond just presenting "facts". I see how the very act of displaying this bust is a statement. Curator: Indeed. And that statement evolves as the museum, and society, changes. How we view Captain Braund's legacy today might be quite different from how it was viewed in 1985, when this piece was created. It makes you wonder who future generations will choose to remember, doesn't it?