Aldeburgh Lifeboatman Exhibits in Major National Marine Art Exhibition
Work by a local artist David Gillingwater has been selected from over 1,200 submissions to appear alongside paintings by some of Britain’s leading marine artists. The exhibition will be on display at Mall Galleries in central London between 10 and 19 October 2019.
David Gillingwater (53), graphic designer and portrait painter has been on the Aldeburgh lifeboat crew for over 20 years. His painting On Reflection was painted as a narrative piece as part of Oilskins - A Portrait of the Aldeburgh Lifeboat Crew exhibition 2018. On Reflection is representative of the time when a crew member returns from a ‘Shout’. Whether a good or bad outcome, the viewer is to make his or her own mind up. Using fellow lifeboat crew member James Cable as the model, David depicted him exhausted, with his life jacket open to show completion of the rescue. A coffee cup is placed precariously, symbolising the balance of life. This is a provocative representation of the lives of lifeboat crew past and present and the incredible work they do.
The Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA) is widely recognised as the focal point for much of Britain's finest contemporary marine art and many of the country's leading marine artists are elected members of the Society.
The common theme is the sea and tidal waters although, within that remit, work is wide and varied. Subjects range from deep water shipping to coastal scenes, competitive sailing to quiet harbours, marine wildlife to still life. Some specialise in carefully researched historical paintings; others paint en plein air to capture the essence of the scene at a particular moment in time; yet others work in their studio from copious notes and sketches made on location.
RNLI media contacts
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Caron Hill, Aldeburgh RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07837 263210 email [email protected]
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Clare Hopps, RNLI Press Officer (North and East) 01642 790636 / 07824518641/ [email protected]
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Jim Rice, RNLI Press Officer, 07810658072/ [email protected]
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or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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