Setting sail again

An appeal was launched today to give the Ship in a Bottle that fascinated millions of people on the Fourth Plinth a permanent home in London.

The Art Fund charity today kickstarted fundraising with a £50,000 cheque and the public are being asked for £362,500 to keep the dramatic sculpture by Yinka Shonibare on public view at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

Kevin Fewster, the National Maritime Museum's director, said Shonibare's standing with collectors, especially in America, meant the work was in danger of being lost overseas.

But he said: "That would be a real shame." It was a "fabulous piece of contemporary art" that also spoke to British history including the maritime story told by the museum.

The work is a scaled-down replica of HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson's ship at the Battle of Trafalgar, with sails made from African textiles. It was designed to raise questions about the legacy of British colonialism and the trade and empire that were made possible by the freedom of the seas secured by victories such as Nelson's.

The museum want it to take pride of place in its new £35 million Sammy Offer Wing.

Shonibare, 49, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, said: "Greenwich is the perfect venue. I can't imagine it going elsewhere. It means the piece will continue to serve its purpose.

"The question of national identity is a debate that will never go away. And the piece has had a very positive reaction from the public. What I particularly like is the magical element, the element of wonder, particularly from children."

Stephen Deuchar, The Art Fund director, said it was always difficult to fund-raise in difficult economic times but he was hopeful. "With something of national significance that has already become part of the fabric of London, we think people will be prepared to get behind it."

A virtual Ship in a Bottle will move online from Trafalgar Square to Greenwich as donations come in. The campaign will for the first time harness text messaging to help people give £5 by texting SHIP to 70555. More details at www.artfund.org/ship