Anne Bonny and Mary Read earned the fearsome moniker “Ferocious Hellcats” due to their fiery tempers and fierce combat skills. Among their crewmates, none matched their brutality and bloodlust during raids. Their captain, Jack Rackham, may have been known as “Calico Jack” for his colorful cotton clothing, but it was the two notorious female pirates who ensured his legacy endured through the ages.
The Art of Distraction: Anne Bonny’s Cunning
Anne Bonny deliberately wore loose clothing and unabashedly displayed her chest during battles—knowing it would distract men, leaving them vulnerable to her lethal attacks. Mary Read, on the other hand, primarily disguised herself as a man, having masqueraded as her deceased brother, Mark, throughout her childhood. The duo even occasionally cross-dressed while leaping between vessels, earning them the title “Ferocious Hellcats.”
An Ode to the “Hellcats” through “Inexorable”
The public sculpture “Inexorable” commemorates the lives of Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Adapted from the audiobook “Hellcats” by award-winning author Karina Rodney and historian Professor Kate Williams, the statue represents the duo’s personalities of “fire and earth.” Together, Bonny (fire) and Read (earth) become an unstoppable force. Bonny’s passion ignites Read’s determination, and Read’s patience guides Bonny’s path. They erupt together like an unyielding volcano, forever remembered as “Inexorable: The Hellcats.”
Anne Bonny: The Flame of Passion
Representing fire, Anne Bonny’s persona matches her unpredictable nature. The sculpture captures her graceful and flowing curves, mirroring flames, and her fiery red hair. Gemstones and sparkling details symbolize her magpie-like traits and love for extravagant clothing.
Mary Read: The Earth of Resolve
Mary Read, embodying earth, complements Bonny’s fiery spirit with her determination. The statue portrays her resolute character with a strong and grounded presence. The earthy tones and rugged textures mirror her steadfast resolve and dedication to her pirate life.
Where is the Anne Bonny statue?
The 8 feet high statue, named “Inexorable,” depicts the 18th-century female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read, renowned for their fierce and fearless exploits on the high seas. Originally intended for display in Devon, the statue faced rejection by the local council. However, a new opportunity arose when Lewes FC stepped forward to house the impressive sculpture at their stadium, The Dripping Pan. This decision not only celebrates the legacy of these two remarkable women but also symbolizes the club’s commitment to championing powerful and rebellious spirits throughout history.
More Variety of Decorative Uses and Places:
Statues of Anne Bonny and Mary Read’s “Ruthless: Hellcats” can be placed at prominent marine or historic sites such as harbors, waterfronts, or museums where their pirate heritage can be celebrated and admired. In addition, it can also be placed in cities that are closely related to piracy or have an important nautical history, such as coastal towns and port cities. And, it can also be showcased where there is a focus on empowering women’s contributions to history and challenging gender norms. Of course, people can place the sculptures of pirate sisters in a suitable position according to their preferences and uses.
The Anne Bonny and Mary Read statue stands as a testament to the indomitable spirits of these infamous female pirates. Their legacy challenges stereotypes and inspires generations to embrace their unique identities fearlessly. As the statue “Inexorable: The Hellcats” continues to captivate onlookers, the ferocious duo’s story remains etched in the annals of pirate history, forever immortalizing their extraordinary lives.