Local artists raise funds for RNLI amid abuse faced by life boat crews
The RNLI said it is “grateful for the generosity and kindness shown by the art collective”.
More than £1,150 has been raised for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution through an art exhibition at Portsmouth’s historic Round Tower.
More than 700 people visited the exhibition in Old Portsmouth, which featured work from 28 local artists and supported the charity’s fundamental purpose: “Rescuing people without judgement, fear, or favour”.
A proportion of the proceeds from each artwork sold, alongside 100 per cent of sales from the exhibition shop, was donated to the RNLI, bringing the total raised to more than £1,150.
The exhibition featured work from 28 local artists, including Colin Merrin, Hollie Thornley, Ashley David John, Ella Kilgour, Lynn Nicholls and Gillian Hawkins.
The artworks explored a range of themes linked to the RNLI’s work, including historical maritime scenes, safe travel by sea and natural migration.
The show was organised by For the Folk, a volunteer-led collective working to improve access to visual arts within Portsmouth.
The group said: “We’re overwhelmed with gratitude following the success of our inaugural exhibition. The response is beyond anything we could have anticipated.”
“Thank you to our contributing artists and to everyone who came to see the show. We’re so thankful for the generosity from those who attended and supported us in fundraising for this important and lifesaving charity.”
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An RNLI spokesperson said it’s “grateful for the generosity and kindness shown by the art collective For the Folk in donating the proceeds of their recent exhibition.
"These funds will help our volunteers keep saving lives at sea, 24 hours a day, as we’ve done for the past 202 years.”
The donation page remains open for anyone wishing to contribute: https://fundraise.rnli.org/fundraisers/georgejackson/for-the-folk-charity-art-exhibition
The Portsmouth RNLI lifeboat station in Eastney was recently awarded the freedom of the city by Portsmouth City Council, the highest civic honour the authority can bestow.
The award followed incidents in which the charity’s volunteers were targeted by anti-migrant protesters over their role in rescuing people arriving in small boats across the English Channel.
Crew members reported threats, intimidation and abuse, with some of their children also subjected to bullying at school.