Photographer Jack Lowe refocuses on Wales to continue RNLI project
A photographer and lifelong RNLI enthusiast capturing stunning shots of lifeboat crew with a photographic technique from the 19th century is focussing on Wales once again.
Jack Lowe is undertaking an ambitious project to visit all 237 RNLI lifeboat stations in the UK and Republic of Ireland, capturing stunning glass images along the way. Earlier this year he photographed crew members at seven lifeboat stations in south and west Wales and now he is bringing his Victorian camera and developing equipment back to another seven stations from Penarth to Aberystwyth.
Grandson of Dad’s Army actor, Arthur Lowe, Jack has admired the RNLI since he was a little boy. He says the project allows him to ‘follow his heart’.
The talented photographer has been a lifelong supporter of the charity, joining Storm Force (the RNLI’s club for children) at the age of eight and raising over £6,000 for charity by completing the Great North Run three years in a row. Photography has also been a strong passion of his, ever since he received a Kodak camera from his Grandma when he was nine.
As part of the RNLI Lifeboat Station Project, Jack plans to visit all 237 RNLI lifeboat stations, photographing the breath-taking views from each station along with the crew members. He will be using Wet Plate Collodion, a Victorian process that allows him to record stunning images on glass. The project is predicted to take approximately five years to complete.
Jack will be back in Wales on Tuesday (13 September) when he visits Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Station. This will be followed by visits to Horton and Port Eynon RNLI on Thursday 15, Little and Broad Haven RNLI on Saturday 17, Fishguard RNLI on Tuesday 20, Cardigan RNLI on Wednesday 21, New Quay RNLI on Thursday 22 and Aberystwyth RNLI on Saturday 24.
On Friday 23 September, Jack will give a talk about the Lifeboat Station Project at the National Library in Aberystwyth.
Jack says: ‘I’ve been looking forward to bringing The Lifeboat Station Project back to Wales ever since my first visit in March. It’ll be great to experience the warm Welsh welcome once again and to add to the growing collection of photographs documenting the RNLI volunteers in this stunning part of the world.
“The talk at the National Library in Aberystwyth on Friday 23 September will be the icing on the cake.’
His unique glass photographs are to be developed in a decommissioned NHS ambulance, which he purchased on eBay and transformed into a mobile darkroom.
Jack added: ’From an early age I knew I wanted to either be a photographer or a lifeboat crew member. This trip has given me the opportunity to fulfil both my dreams. It’s fantastic to see how many people have been so interested and engaged with the project.’
‘Some of the images I have captured so far have been regarded as mesmerising and have even rendered some crew members to tears!’
He will return to visit the remainder of the Welsh lifeboat stations in the future.
You will be able to check the confirmed times of the itinerary by following the link to the Project’s interactive Mission Map: http://lifeboatstationproject.com/stations/
You can also follow Jack’s RNLI photographic mission on Facebook (fb.com/LifeboatStationProject), on Twitter (@ProjectLifeboat) or on the Project’s dedicated site (lifeboatstationproject.com).
Anyone interested in attending Jack’s talk in Aberystwyth on 23 September can book now to reserve a seat at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/EGMIHK. Admission costs £6 with a percentage of proceeds donated to the RNLI charity.
Notes to editors:
The attached pictures, which should be credited to Jack Lowe, show:
- Jack Lowe's RNLI Lifeboat Station Project photography mission comes to another seven Welsh lifeboat stations this month.
- A shot of Barry Dock RNLI Coxswain Jon Atkins from Jack's previous Welsh visit.
- A shot of the Tenby RNLI lifeboat crew from Jack's previous Welsh visit.
RNLI media contacts:
For more information or to arrange an interview with Jack, please contact Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer in Wales, on 01745 585162 or 07748 265496. Alternatively, call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.