RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45 exhibition launches at the Lighthouse in Poole
A new free exhibition focusing on the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Second World War story is launching at the Lighthouse in Poole on the 15 January. The exhibition, named RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45, will run for six weeks until 28 February.
Through rarely viewed artwork and artefacts from the RNLI's heritage collections, this exhibition explores how volunteer crews continued to save lives at sea in extraordinary conditions.
From Ireland’s neutral stance to the occupation of the Channel Islands, the exhibition highlights the different experiences RNLI crews had across the regions. The exhibition also covers Poole Lifeboat Station’s connection to Dunkirk, the RNLI’s role in the Battle of Britian and the many lives it saved and how women helped the RNLI from the home front. The exhibition looks at how RNLI crew continued to save lives throughout huge moments in the Second World War and marks their bravery which continues to inspire the charity today.
Visitors will be able to see rarely viewed artwork on display, including paintings depicting rescues at sea and portraits of key RNLI figures. Some of the paintings have undertaken painstaking conservation in preparation for the exhibition. There will also be items from the RNLI heritage collection on display including a compass and signal lamp which went to Dunkirk.
A free activity trail will be available to support young minds exploring the space, as well as videos, an audio booth and a dress up section to help bring stories to life.
Hayley Whiting, Heritage and Archive Manager at the RNLI says: ‘We are really excited to launch the Stories of Courage 1939-45 exhibition at the Lighthouse in Poole, marking the RNLI’s Second World War story. We have focused on telling the incredible stories of our crew and those connected to some the biggest moments of the Second World War to bring the exhibition to life.
‘We wanted to mark the bravery of our crew with this exhibition who continue to inspire the charity today. We would encourage all local people to come and visit our new free exhibition which has something for everyone.’
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: 'We’re proud to support the RNLI in sharing these remarkable stories of courage from the Second World War. Thanks to National Lottery players, this exhibition brings to life the bravery and resilience of lifeboat crews who risked everything to save lives at sea. Preserving and celebrating this heritage ensures that future generations understand the vital role these volunteers played during one of history’s most challenging times.’
There will be a range of free events running for visitors whilst the exhibition is open. Events include a walking tour of Poole to share local connections to the RNLI, hearing from a family member saved by the RNLI during the Second World War and meeting current crew. Find out more details by visiting RNLI.org/Exhibition
‘We are really excited to invite RNLI into Lighthouse, we have been supporting organisations and communities to tell Poole’s story as we reflect on the anniversary of the end of WWII which culminates in this exhibition from RNLI’ says Martha Earley Creative Engagement Manager at Lighthouse Poole.
The exhibition and free events are running thanks to a grant awarded to the RNLI from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories from the Second World War, with thanks to National Lottery players.
If you have a story connected to the RNLI from the Second World War, please upload it here: RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45
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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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.