Memberships

British Marine FederationBritish Marine Federation Membership

I was honoured during 2008 to be invited to join the British Marine Federation.

As Robin Knox-Johnston put it when I asked him for a reference, "why on earth would you want to join the BMF?"

This came about because of my work with Maritime Plymouth and Superyachts UK who appreciate a good USP, a long experience of the marine world and the very real value sound fine art properly employed has in promoting their presence.

Thus effectively I am happy to find myself their unofficial /official superyacht artist!

You are possibly aware this is THE trade body for the professional marine industry (leisure)?
Artists are not normally members. The British Marine Federation web site explains why.
Even during my days as MD of South East Boat Builders Ltd of Rye, we were not members; probably should have been though.

In the past I have flirted with joining the RSMA (Royal Society of Marine Artists). It is kind of expected by some of the public.
However as several friends, very successful professional marine painters, regarded the RSMA as, to clean up their remarks, bit of a mud painters' club and it involved a lot of being "seen" at the annual RSMA Pall Mall, London show by the "right" people, it was, I decided it was not cost effective.

I also had an interesting congenial evening with the President of the French Official Marine Painters.
Despite his enthusiasm for my work and European rules, to be a "French Official Marine Painter" is only possible for French artists largely because they are given an officer's rank in the French Navy and go to sea.

Having been asked to apply for British Marine Federation Membership I initially could not imagine who on earth or at sea would supply references? After all I am now a marine painter no longer a boat builder or even an active R.Y.A. sailing instructor.

Soon it became clear that many in the dazzling list of my clients and friends were happy to supply references.
Thus this is with special thanks to Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Michael McNamara (Sails), George Skinner (Maritime Plymouth), my friends at Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd and in the Ministry of Defence, the latter in particular sending the sort of letter a man could be proud to show his son, a most generous reference.

World Ship SocietyThe World Ship Society

I have been a member of The World Ship Society more or less continuously for some 20 years which in its self says much for my fellow members and the society in general. Other clubs and societies have come and gone while my fascination with the WSS has endured. I have watched the society continuously develop and occasionally been able to contribute. I find it a fascinating and amazing resource.