The Whale

I have just read Anne Albrights entry in the guest book and I too remember paying sixpence to go inside and see the whale which was situated, as she said, at the bottom of Trinity Street. I can't remember how long it was on display for but I know I went in twice and I was only a child at the time and could not believe my eyes. Now we can go out and watch them playing out on the ocean with their young off the coast of WA. Have you any more memories to share Anne as we would love to hear them ?

I also remember going to see the whale. Does anyone remember what year it was?

I cant remember the year, but also went to see it, and boy, did it stink! When I saw it, I think it was on the car park behind the temporary shops in Corporation Street. Must have been about 1959 or 60, I should think.

I am so glad that someone remembers the Whale - I have often spoken about it to family and friends and no one seemed to recall it. I went to see it with my class from Freddies - can't remember too much about it - but I had begun to wonder if I had dreamt it!

Hi, I too remember the Whale. The car park (waste ground) at the back of the temp shops was the correct place. If I remember right it was on the back of a lorry trailer. The date I am not sure of but the fifties mid to late would be about right as it was before I went to "Freddies" in 1959. The smell was right too, I do not know how much longer it could have lasted after it left Coventry before it started to disintregrate. Hold on to your memories Mayjan, it is the the one thing you can dream about and relive.

Gosh, didn't April come round quickly!

I remember Jonah when it was in Coventry. It was parked up on waste ground behind the Gas Showrooms. It was on a tour of England, it was lit up inside with electric light bulbs. We were in town I think I had just had some injections for Polio so must have been about 1956ish. You are right the smell was awful.

Great picture, just blew it up but could not find myself Thanks.

Can anybody remember the make do car park opposite Woolworths as was about 1960ish. If so I'm sure that there was a travelling display to do with the Guinness toucan and a whale which was on the back of a trailer. Needless to say not real. Can anybody put me out of my misery and confirm this.

Can somebody please explain the connection (if any) between the Guinness toucan and the whale?

For attention of the Dutchman.... This may explain, it was a clever advertising stunt to get the world to drink more Guinness. Guinness and sundry animal species

I'm very familiar with the Guinness menagerie, thank you Foxcote (I think I have a Guinness toucan somewhere?) It was the connection with the touring whale which baffled me.

Although Guinness had the whale as an advertising theme, I don't think the exhibiting of poor, smelly 'Jonah' had anything to do with the Guinness advertising campaign.

Thanks Foxcote. I still remember it on the corner wasteland at the bottom of Trinity Street.