Torbay RNLI unveil unique RNLI collage by local schools in Brixham on 11th June

Called 'The 200 Year Art Challenge' to mark the RNLI's 200^th year anniversary, the collage is an acrylic representation of a photograph of Torbay's Severn Class Lifeboat in Brixham's inner harbour, taken by one of the RNLI’s official photographers, Nigel Millard, who also happens to be a local crew member.

Nigel’s photograph was divided into 200 separate squares, each measuring 10x10cm to provide a teasing visual reference of the whole image. Local schools were invited to participate, 200 children were then selected, and each was given one piece to paint. These would join together to create a collage to measure two by one metres in size.

'The result is a stunning piece of artwork, which unites a wealth of different techniques and brush strokes in one imaginative, colourful and stunning painting” said Nigel upon seeing the finished piece. “It shows off the creative energy of our students and symbolises the support our RNLI station receives from so many people right across the community.

'The unveiling will take place at 10.30am on Tuesday June 11^th at the recently acquired RNLI building at Kings Quay, which is exactly where I stood to take the original shot. We hear from the teachers that there is a palpable sense of excitement around this as it will be the first time the students & public have the chance to see the finished collage in one piece.

'So far, 70 of the painting’s young artists have replied to our invite, to say they will attend, and more are expected to do so. We, the Crew of Torbay Lifeboat, will of course be there as will our Fundraisers and many supporters across the local community.

'We are hoping for a good turnout at the unveiling, including local media, as it’s an important event in this year’s calendar to mark the RNLI’s 200th Anniversary.'

The unveiling is timed to coincide with high water, so that the All-weather Lifeboat can moor up opposite, exactly where she was as depicted in the collage. Attendees will be able to compare the painting with the reality.

The collage itself is being carefully prepared and protected so that it can be unveiled in what will be its long term fixed position standing proudly outside the King’s Quay building as a welcome to visitors as they approach this important RNLI building.

An official photo of the completed collage is embargoed until its unveiling on 11^th June when it will be released to the media. In the meantime, photos of a few of the individual painted squares, as well as shots of the students working on their respective parts have been separately released.

Schools involved included: Brixham College, Churston Ferrers Grammar School, Cockington Primary School,Collaton St. Mary Primary School, Galmpton Primary School, Hayes Primary School, Oldway Primary School, Roselands Primary School, Sherwell Valley Primary School, Shiphay Academy, St. Marychurch Primary School, Torquay Girls Grammar School & Widecombe Primary School.

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 142,700 lives.

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