Charminster artist to raise funds for Weymouth RNLI at Dorset Art Weeks
A Charminster artist is opening his home to the public next month as part of Dorset Art Weeks, with all proceeds supporting Weymouth Lifeboat Station.
Tony Prior, a retired geography teacher and former Head of Department at Milton Abbey School, only took up painting after retiring but has since produced dozens of detailed works inspired by Dorset’s coastline.
“I hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since school,” he said. “I started painting when I retired at 59, and it’s just grown from there.”
Before retiring, Mr Prior also ran the school’s sailing club in Portland, working with the Royal Yachting Association. A keen sailor for decades, the sea continues to influence much of his work.
“I’ve been sailing in Portland Harbour since the late 1970s,” he said. “I know the local Weymouth lifeboat crews and the sailing community well, and I wanted to do something to support them.”
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charity, providing a 24-hour search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland, with volunteer crews launching in all conditions to save lives at sea.
Mr Prior will be exhibiting around 30 to 35 original pieces, including seascapes and a specially created lifeboat painting of the station’s Severn-class lifeboat, Ernest & Mabel, alongside the quay in Weymouth Harbour. Signed prints will be available to purchase, with proceeds going to support the RNLI’s charitable work locally.
Teresa Drage, Chairwoman of Fundraising for Weymouth RNLI, welcomed the initiative and said the support would help fund vital equipment, training and lifesaving services.
The exhibition opens on Saturday, May 23, and runs throughout Dorset Art Weeks. Visitors can view the collection daily from 1pm to 5pm until Sunday, June 7 at Mr Prior’s home, 2 Ryelands Way, Charminster, Dorchester, DT2 9UX.
Visitors are warmly invited to attend, support a local artist and help raise funds for a vital community service.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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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.