Donate now

Local Artist Celebrates St Davids RNLI Volunteers Commitment to Others

Lifeboats News Release

An artist born and raised in St Davids has paid tribute to St Davids RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew members with a series of portraits in an exhibition at Oriel y Parc, St Davids.

Rosalyn Siân Evans

The five charcoal drawings on display at Oriel y Parc, St Davids

An artist born and raised in St Davids has paid tribute to St Davids RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew members with a series of portraits in an exhibition at Oriel y Parc, St Davids.

Rosalyn Siân Evans’ latest art collection is called ‘Thalassic’ and it invites the observer to explore relationships with the sea. Part of the exhibition are five charcoal portraits of charity volunteers in action during a training exercise. The exhibition is open to the public until 29th June.

Artist Rosalyn Siân Evans said: “I grew up close to the coast where the sound of waves and the call of the lifeboat were part of community life. From an early age I was aware of the lifeboat's presence, not just as a vessel, but as a symbol of bravery. At school, many of my friends had crew members in their families and we all knew the code: one 'maroon' for the coastguard, two for the lifeboat. That early awareness stayed with me - a quiet respect for those who volunteer to face danger, simply to help others.”

“Though the subjects in the paintings are unnamed, these individuals stand for the courage, sacrifice and solidarity that defines the spirit of coastal rescue. They do not serve for recognition, but out of deep commitment to others. This work is a gesture of thanks.”

John Williams, St Davids RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “We are profoundly honoured by the remarkable work of Rosalyn Siân Evans in capturing and reflecting the courage within our community. She has beautifully encapsulated the dedication and sacrifice of our lifesaving crew, and her contribution has been truly invaluable. We thank Rosalyn for the time, effort, and passion she has poured into producing this incredible artwork.”

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Simone Eade, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 804 922 or [email protected] or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Rosalyn Siân Evans

Detailed artwork of volunteers in action

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

Categories