Kurt Jackson: RNLI Cornwall

Friday 15 March – Sunday 3 November

The RNLI is the focus of this exhibition by internationally renowned contemporary artist Kurt Jackson.

RNLI Cornwall documents the important role of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Cornwall and celebrates their vital work within the coastal community.

Jackson’s RNLI Cornwall paintings vary in scale from postcard sized pieces up to massive canvasses measured in metres that capture the charity’s iconic blue and orange lifeboats nestled into Cornish harbours and breaking through mountainous waves. Closer to shore are paintings featuring lifeguards at the centre of Cornish beach life at locations including Sennen, Gwithian, Porthtowan and Trebarwith.

RNLI Cornwall also features a selection of paintings created inside Mousehole’s old Penlee Lifeboat Station where Jackson was given special access to capture it as it was left following the tragic disaster that resulted in the loss of 16 souls. A poignant tribute to the sacrifice made by the RNLI’s brave volunteer crews.

We’re delighted to bring this exhibition to the Museum as part of the RNLI’s bicentenary. Forming in 1824, the charity is celebrating the amazing milestone of 200 years, during which time it has saved more than 144,000 lives.