In 2006, Sølvberget Gallery presented the exhibition "The Pioneer Divers of the North Sea" by Fin Serck-Hanssen. As part of Stavanger's 900th-anniversary celebrations, the gallery is now re-exhibiting fifteen portraits from this collection from 15 February to 4 May.
The exhibition opens on Saturday, 15 February, at 2:00 PM in Sølvberget Gallery and will be on display until 4 May.
Guided tours are available every Saturday at 2:00 PM. Free entry.
Opening hours:
Monday–Thursday: 10:00–19:00
Friday: 10:00–17:00
Saturday: 10:00–16:00
Sunday: 12:00–16:00
Earlier, the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget) passed a compensation scheme for the oil pioneers. The scheme is set to be presented in February 2025, marking the culmination of a long struggle for divers and other oil workers who sacrificed their health and bodies for the nation's wealth.
In autumn 2024, 18 years after the initial exhibition, Stortinget purchased five of the photographs from the collection.
Espen Røsbak, programme manager at Sølvberget, commented:
"The oil story is a vital part of our city's history, and it's important to remember the painful chapters as well."
From the 2006 Exhibition Catalogue:
When British diver Roger Lyons died on 3 October 1967 during work on the Ocean Viking oil rig, it marked the beginning of a tragic era in Norwegian labour history. Lyons suffered an uncontrolled ascent from 120 metres, causing catastrophic gas accumulation in his body. This led to lung failure, a condition North Sea divers grimly refer to as "lung burst."
The incident prompted investigations and new safety requirements, such as the use of decompression chambers during ascents. However, enforcement was almost impossible, with just one inspector overseeing the entire Norwegian continental shelf.
Between 1967 and today, there have been 65 verified diver deaths on the Norwegian and British sides of the North Sea. The actual figures may be higher due to underreported cases, hidden causes of death, and unreported incidents.
When factoring in the 20 divers who took their own lives after losing their certifications and receiving no follow-up care, the total rises to 85 fatalities. These figures represent a death rate far exceeding national averages for any profession, as well as a suicide rate that should have alarmed authorities decades ago.
The divers themselves had to campaign for recognition and media coverage, which finally led to political attention—albeit reluctantly. Even now, there is no final resolution to their demands.
This exhibition seeks to honour the pioneer divers, from those thriving in their careers to those reliant on family care, and remembers those who gave their lives. It celebrates their bravery, resilience, and contributions to society, while acknowledging the sacrifices made.
About Fin Serck-Hanssen:
Born in Viken in 1958, Fin Serck-Hanssen has built an illustrious career both nationally and internationally since the 1980s.
Initially, he documented the punk and underground music scenes in Norway and the UK, capturing backstage moments with legendary bands such as Depeche Mode, The Cure, R.E.M., and The Clash.
Since the 1990s, he has focused on portraiture, documenting the Norwegian queer community during and after the AIDS crisis, as well as projects highlighting social justice, such as the lives of North Sea divers and prison inmates.
His works have been exhibited at venues like the Helsinki City Art Museum (Finland), ICA London (UK), and Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark. His pieces are held in collections including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Oslo.
Fin Serck-Hanssen lives and works in Oslo.