"An exhibition titled 'Women in Whaling' highlights the experiences of women involved in the whaling industry from 1952 to 1978."
Women in Whaling: A New Exhibition at Albany's Historic Whaling Station
An exhibition titled 'Women in Whaling' at Albany's Historic Whaling Station brings to light the often-overlooked contributions of women in the male-dominated whaling industry. The project, by artist Jo Wassell, features portraits and personal stories of five women who lived and worked at the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company station between 1952 and 1978.
The Cheynes Beach Whaling Company operated a station east of Albany from 1952 until its closure in 1978. To keep the operation running, entire families relocated to the station, creating a unique, self-contained community.
Barb Reader moved to the station in 1966 at age 18 after marrying an employee. Reflecting on her time there, she described living at the station as being part of a close-knit family.
"Living at the station was like being part of a close-knit family. It was an important industry for Albany's economy."
Reader also recalled the protests that led up to the station's closure, noting that workers did not receive compensation when the operation shut down.
The exhibition aims to document the contributions of a wide range of women — from workers to family members — whose lives were shaped by the station's operations.
Artist Jo Wassell spent three months interviewing the women and used archival research to create the portraits. She stated that the project was intended to share untold stories.
"The project was intended to share untold stories of women whose lives were shaped by the whaling station."