INTRODUCTION
The Lifeboat Station Project is now in its 5th year and, if possible, I’d like to visit your station soon.
On this page, you should find everything you need to know under these clickable headings (numbers 1, 2, 5 and 8 are probably the most important):
- PROPOSED ITINERARY
- TIMINGS
- PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESS & AIMS
- OTHER LOGISTICS
- ACCOMMODATION REQUEST
- PODCAST
- PRINTS and THE SHOP
- PRIVATE COMMISSIONS
- FOLLOWING THE PROJECT
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HALFWAY AFTER FOUR YEARS
Galleries: The photographs made so far
Ultimately, there will be a book and exhibition of all the photographs. Both are set to be huge fundraisers for the RNLI.
In the meantime, I’m releasing edition prints of the work, the sales of which help to fund the Project and keep it on the road.
As a thank you for the help I receive, I donate two prints to each station that I visit:
- Print No.1 of the Crew photograph
- Print No.1 of the ALB Coxswain / ILB Helm portrait
These prints will be included with any print orders from the station.
If there are no orders from the station, they will be delivered in due course.
In addition, I offer a 20% print discount to RNLI crew and their families who’d like to make other purchases in the shop (see below).
There’s been an incredible amount of media attention too. I’ve put together a page of highlights here:
MISSION 18, JUNE 2019: PROPOSED ITINERARY
On this particular journey, I’m proposing to visit these stations:
- 131 – ANSTRUTHER: Tuesday 11th June 2019 (CONFIRMED)
- 132 – KINGHORN: Thursday 13th June 2019 (CONFIRMED)
- 133 – QUEENSFERRY: Sunday 16th June 2019 (CONFIRMED)
- 134 – NORTH BERWICK: Tuesday 18th June 2019 (CONFIRMED)
- 135 – DUNBAR: Thursday 20th June 2019 (CONFIRMED)
- 136 – EYEMOUTH: Saturday 22nd June 2019 (CONFIRMED)
How does this sound to you? I’m happy to take your advice and feedback with regard to feasibility.
TIMINGS
Here are some typical approximate timings for a station visit:
- 0900: Arrival
- 0915 – 1000hrs: Setup
- 1000 – 1100hrs: Photograph the view from your station
- 1130 – 1230hrs: Portrait (Coxswain/Helm(s) or Crew or Women)
- 1300 – 1400hrs: Portrait (Coxswain/Helm(s) or Crew or Women)
- 1700 – 1800hrs (BST OPTION ONLY): Portrait (Coxswain/Helm(s) or Crew or Women)
- 1800 – 2000hrs: Pack up
I hope these timing suggestions which might help in coordinating people at appropriate points?
I would like to arrive at the station around 9am. It’ll take me a little while to setup, after which I’d like to make the first photograph on my list — the view from the station.
Once I know that the Victorian process is working as it should, I’ll then be ready to make the rest of the photographs.
I’m usually ready to make the Coxswain/Helm portrait at around 11:30am and the Crew portrait around 1pm (or vice versa).
If all goes well, each photograph takes about 1 hour to make.
Therefore, I need about an hour of the crew’s time when making their group photograph and an hour or so from the Coxswain/Helm/Women when making his/her portrait.
During British Summertime Hours, there is also the option of making the crew photograph in the early evening.
PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESS and AIMS
Travelling in my mobile darkroom (a decommissioned NHS ambulance), I use an old process known as Wet Plate Collodion to make photographs on glass. Working just as the Victorians used to between the 1850s and 1880s — right at the time when the RNLI was incorporated under Royal Charter.
During each station visit, I would like to photograph:
- The view from the boathouse doors (or as near as possible) of the waters protected by your crew;
- A portrait of the Coxswain (ALB stations) or Helm(s) (ILB stations) at each station;
- A group portrait of the crew.
If time and resources allow, there is also scope to make a portrait of ALB Mechanics and a group photograph of your female crew members for my Women of the RNLI collection.
Please could you let me know if there’s anybody who’d like to be involved in the latter?
The process isn’t as fast as modern-day digital imaging, so it requires a degree of time and patience from all those involved (see timings above).
However, Wet Plate Collodion is fascinating, poignant, magical and beautiful — I’m more than happy for people to watch as I make the plates.
OTHER LOGISTICS
Perhaps you could let me know about any quirks with regard to your particular station and confirm for me the type of Lifeboat(s) and launching method?
It’s also worth noting that I need to park my mobile darkroom close to the boathouse in order to keep the distance from camera to vehicle as short as possible for my processing needs. Please do let me know if there will be any issues to consider on that front.
Here are my vehicle’s dimensions:
- HEIGHT: 3m (9ft 8inches)
- WIDTH: 2.05m (6ft 9inches)
- LENGTH: 6.5m (21ft 6inches)
- WEIGHT: 3.8 tonnes
If you think there’s anything I’ve overlooked, I’m all ears!
ACCOMMODATION REQUEST
I usually arrive at each location the day before our day together, so I stay for two nights during my time at each lifeboat station.
If you have any good suggestions for local accommodation, they’d be gratefully received.
I tend to prefer Guest Houses as opposed to hotels — if they’re run by somebody in the RNLI community, then all the better!
Lately, crew members have also been kindly putting me/us up in their own homes, which has been excellent…not least as it keeps costs down.
PODCAST
You may already be aware that I make sound recordings. If you see me with a microphone, I’ll be gathering material for my podcast called Postcards from the Coast.
You can listen to previous episodes of Postcards from the Coast here:
PRINTS and THE SHOP: RNLI DISCOUNT
My ultimate aim is to make a book and exhibition of the work. In the meantime, there’s an opportunity to buy stunning Limited Edition Prints of the photographs.
Print sales are my main method of funding the project.
Each print is limited to 50 and, remember, I donate print No.1 of the crew photograph and the ALB Coxswain / ILB Helm portrait to the station by way of thanks.
Many volunteers request their crew number from the edition, which is a wonderful finishing touch to an artwork that will be treasured for years to come.
The discounted print price for RNLI Personnel is £130 per print (normal price to the public £195) if the station clubs together and orders a minimum of ANY three prints from the project .
I’ll email full instructions on how to order prints once the photographs are online and ready to order.
If you would like to purchase anything else from The LSP Shop be sure to use the following code when you checkout:
LIFEBOATCREW20
PRIVATE COMMISSIONS
I’m very happy to undertake private commissions, which are now being requested more and more as I make my way around the coastline.
Find out how to commission your portrait on this dedicated page:
FOLLOWING THE PROJECT
You can track the project as it takes shape on the Mission Map and via the usual Social Media channels:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
And finally, here’s a link to a brand new page answering questions that are frequently asked about my work:
I’ve been overwhelmed by the reactions from the 119 stations who’ve already been involved.
I’m aware that gathering the crew may not be the easiest logistical exercise when they’re not required for a shout. However, as the Project progresses, I’m finding that the RNLI Family are feeling they’re taking part in something very special.
I shall look forward to hearing from you soon.
Please reply using the email that brought you to this page or use the Contact Form here: