A new free exhibition focusing on the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Second World War story launched this week at Lighthouse Poole.
RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45 will run for six weeks until Saturday 28 February.
Through rarely viewed artwork and artefacts from the RNLI’s heritage collections, this exhibition explores how volunteer crews continued to save lives at sea in extraordinary conditions.
From Ireland’s neutral stance to the occupation of the Channel Islands, the exhibition highlights the different experiences RNLI crews had across the regions. The exhibition also covers Poole Lifeboat Station’s connection to Dunkirk, the RNLI’s role in the Battle of Britain and the many lives it saved, and how women helped the RNLI from the home front. The exhibition looks at how RNLI crews continued to save lives throughout huge moments in the Second World War and marks their bravery, which continues to inspire the charity today.
Visitors will be able to see rarely viewed artwork on display, including paintings depicting rescues at sea and portraits of key RNLI figures. Some of the paintings have undergone painstaking conservation in preparation for the exhibition. There will also be items from the RNLI heritage collection on display including a compass and signal lamp that went to Dunkirk.
A free activity trail will be available to support young minds exploring the space, as well as videos, an audio booth and a dress up section to help bring stories to life.
Hayley Whiting, Heritage and Archive Manager at the RNLI says: “We are really excited about the Stories of Courage 1939-45 exhibition at Lighthouse Poole, marking the RNLI’s Second World War story. We have focused on telling the incredible stories of our crew and those connected to some the biggest moments of the Second World War to bring the exhibition to life.
“We wanted to mark the bravery of our crew with this exhibition who continue to inspire the charity today. We would encourage all local people to come and visit our new free exhibition which has something for everyone.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We’re proud to support the RNLI in sharing these remarkable stories of courage from the Second World War. Thanks to National Lottery players, this exhibition brings to life the bravery and resilience of lifeboat crews who risked everything to save lives at sea. Preserving and celebrating this heritage ensures that future generations understand the vital role these volunteers played during one of history’s most challenging times.”
There will be a range of free events running for visitors whilst the exhibition is open. Events include a walking tour of Poole to share local connections to the RNLI, hearing from a family member saved by the RNLI during the Second World War and meeting current crew. Find out more details by visiting RNLI.org/Exhibition
“We are really excited to invite RNLI into Lighthouse,” says Martha Earley Creative Engagement Manager at Lighthouse Poole. “We have been supporting organisations and communities to tell Poole’s story as we reflect on the anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which culminates in this exhibition from RNLI.”
If you have a story connected to the RNLI from the Second World War, you are invited to upload it here: RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45
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