Exeter Artist Donates St Ives Lifeboat Artwork to Support RNLI

Exeter-based artist Nick Langdon has unveiled a striking new colour pencil drawing titled Going “Shannonistic” out of St Ives. The artwork captures the St Ives Shannon class lifeboat, Nora Stachura, powering out of the harbour in a dramatic, moonlit launch.

Nick donates the use of his work to the RNLI, meaning all sales of prints and related products go directly towards supporting the charity’s mission of saving lives at sea.

He explained that the piece was inspired by a video of the lifeboat launching after reports of a capsized vessel. While the original footage appeared to be shot earlier on a summer’s evening, Nick reimagined the moment with “a much later scene of pervading darkness with a vibrant sunset in its last throes, and with a large rising moon proclaiming the imminence of nighttime”.

Nick added that the urgency of the launch, “creating such a wake behind it”, also adds another dimension to the scene.

Shared by RNLI St Ives

The drawing has already caught the attention of the crew it depicts. RNLI St Ives shared it on their Facebook page, describing it as “a powerful tribute to the bravery and speed of our crew when lives are at risk”.

They added: “We’re thrilled to share a stunning new artwork by Exeter-based artist Nick Langdon, who has captured our Shannon class lifeboat Nora Stachura powering out of St Ives in a dramatic, moonlit launch. Nick’s colour pencil drawing, titled ‘Going Shannonistic out of St Ives’ was inspired by a real rescue video but the vivid sunset, rising moon and sense of urgency are all his own creative interpretation. The result is a powerful tribute to the bravery and speed of our crew when lives are at risk. You can view and purchase prints of the drawing exclusively on the RNLI Photostore.”

How to support the RNLI

Prints and a range of items featuring the artwork, including mugs, tote bags and jigsaw puzzles, are available exclusively on the RNLI Photostore.

Every purchase helps raise funds for the RNLI, with Nick generously donating his work to ensure all proceeds support the charity’s lifesaving efforts.