Before its manufacture, tube worms drilled through wooden hulls, and barnacles, seaweeds, and a sucking fish, the Echeneis, clung to boat bottoms creating
heavy drag. In 1863, after years of experimentation, Tarr and Wonson invented a copper-based paint to combat marine life.
Their paint was shipped for more than a century to ports world over and is still made and sold in the USA.
© Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester MA
Ocean Alliance purchased the paint factory in 2008 for its headquarters. Renowned as a whale conservation institute, they monitor ocean pollutants and marine life with help from their research vessels. The red manufactory built in the 1880s, remains a distinct landmark. Listen to the whale songs at Ocean Alliance.
- Paint Factory Facts (6:29)
Excerpt of Ocean Alliance history mini film. See more films http://www.oceanalliance.org/education/multimedia/videos/
