‘Fishing Folk and Other Local Heroes’ are the stars of an art exhibition in Thurso next month
An up-and-coming art show in Thurso will highlight the talents of a local woman who has created a series of highly detailed pencil portraits of Caithness characters.
Dawn Maclean is holding the self-funded exhibition called 'Fishing Folk and Other Local Heroes' in the North Coast Visitor Centre between May 7 and June 7.
Dawn said: “I've drawn 19 pencil portraits of local people, and each portrait is accompanied by a biography of their life.
“I've chosen to draw people who are well known faces in our town. People who have contributed to making Thurso and Scrabster what it is.
“I have accompanied each portrait with a biography which will allow visitors to the exhibition to get a better idea of who these people really are and the fascinating stories of their lives. I've loved hearing them all.
“It was a privilege to hear Ali Simpson talk about the day of the Longhope Lifeboat Disaster and to be able to record his story as the last surviving member of the Thurso Lifeboat on that day.
“I've also tried to gain an insight into the historical superstitions that surround our local fishing industry. I really hope people will want to come along and learn a bit more about people they recognise. I'd like to thank everyone in the images for being so open with me and telling me their stories.”
The Longhope lifeboat disaster occurred on March 17, 1969, in the Pentland Firth, when the Longhope lifeboat, the T.G.B., capsized in heavy seas while attempting to rescue the crew of the Liberian cargo ship Irene. All eight crew members of the T.G.B. were lost. The incident led to the development of self-righting lifeboats.
Dawn will have an opening event, which all are welcome to attend, on Saturday, May 10 (2pm to 4pm) and hopes that some of the subjects of her portraits will be there on the day.