BLOGG SPOT ISSUE 10 April 26th 2008. April 25th this week marks Anzac Day in New Zealand and Australia when we remember those who gave their lives in world encounters so we can enjoy the freedom we fortunately still enjoy today. Its a static holiday with many attending the dawn parades and services both old and young.
For several decades those who served in Vietnam have never received the recognition they should have nor compensation for exposure to agent orange , but finally it seems to be happening-at least for those still with us. The same was evident here with the RSA (Returned Services Association) when I first went to join several decades ago saying the Merchant Navy was not recognised by them .
I was upset, as it was the Merchant Navy that held it all together, both food and weapons supplies for the front and allied countries. Many souls both crew and passengers lost at the mercy of the U boats and wolf packs. Am sure most of us at LRU have some link with family to those who fought for the UK , and the brilliant seamanship of many skippers and crew who got their ships to safety after suffering terrible damage .
So I never joined the RSA on principle, and yet now as numbers dwindle from the serving ranks it seems anyone can join so the clubs can maintain their fiscal stability. Last year I was approached by one local RSA to consider a painting of the HMNZS Achilles , well known for its involvement at the Battle of the River Plate, and its link to Lancashire being Barrow built. It was also one of the earliest ships my father recalls when he started at VickersArmstrongs as an apprentice. So I was most excited. After supplying the costs to them and mentioning the link with home, I eventually got a reply to the effect that some members thought I may like to' donate' the work perhaps thinking I don't need to eat , drink or pay bills for four months and then when I replied and mentioned commissioned work means just that they eventually responded saying it has been abandoned as it would not suit the new wallpaper in the club-which is bright flowers, and I mean bright.
So regardless of this with a another commission in hand for Barrow built HMS Ajax , which was also at the Battle of the River plate, received from overseas, I will still be painting the Achilles but it won't be going to the RSA . I should add there's an ironic twist to this story, the club which did intend me to paint the ship have named their restaurant .................yes you guessed "ACHILLES."!!!!
ARTWORK NEWS Those members and guests who have read the notices by John regarding the artwork will have the opportunity -as members of LRU only , to buy copies of my paintings through the LRU SHOP. Work that is directly linked to Lancashire will be available. Most scenes will be transport but possibly a few landscapes also in time. Eventually the idea is to build up a comprehensive library of work which will be exclusive to Johns site on Lancashire places both prior and after the boundary changes.
As most of the first paintings will be either ones all ready produced or currently in production they will be spec work so can only be produced in between commissions which is my livelihood. However you are invited to commission a painting if you so wish and if linked to Lancashire I would be asking if you would allow it to be made into copies for others to have the opportunity to purchase via John.
I must also point out that I am not making any capital out of the copies , its all for LRU . The original paintings however are obtained through me and my email address is given in previous blogs. I will be most happy to give a free quote without obligation . Some of the work John will have for sale , I still have as originals. Costs from myself are not high but realistic based on materials ,research and time, but I do it also for the pleasure it gives which you can not place a price on.
I will explain in a later blog a bit more background on things, except to say over 1400 commissioned projects have been completed in the past 10 years including cartoons for newspapers, books and magazines , and over 300 paintings sold overseas. This should indicate I do take my work seriously even if much of it is poking fun at others.
This week am attaching a few cartoons for you to enjoy which have appeared in various publications. New work to be released over the coming months includes Fenwick's at Preston , Morecambe and Heyham on the prom, Ribble at Ulverston, Ribble at Blackburn, Lancashire United , Rochdale Corporation, Oldham , Blackpool , Holland's Pies, T.Brady and Sons , Barrow Corporation , Accrington and more. I wish you all a very happy and safe week, until next time.
