Gary Tonkin unveils 30-year artwork etched on a sperm whale jaw bone

Gary Tonkin taught himself the dying art of scrimshaw more than 50 years ago. (Supplied: Albany Historic Whaling Station)

Until recently there sat a four-metre whale bone in Gary Tonkin's home in Albany, on the south coast of Western Australia.

For 30 years the 74-year-old scrimshander worked on the sperm whale's jawbone and teeth, creating intricate engravings telling the story of an American whaling ship, The Kathleen.