The British lifeboat crews who fight the awesome power of the ocean
- Text by Alex King
- Photography by Nigel Millard
If you’re a surfer, sea swimmer or sailor you will have come face-to-face with the almighty power of the ocean – and you’ll know it’s a force to be respected.
In his new show Volunteers Who Brave The Sea, photographer Nigel Millard celebrates one of the world’s oldest lifesaving charities, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which has saved 140,000 lives since it was founded in 1824.
As a volunteer crew member himself, Millard understands the often dramatic battles lifeboat crews face to save lives at sea. His series features reportage images of RNLI lifeboats in action in tempestuous waters around the UK alongside portraits of RNLI volunteers.
It’s a collaboration with Finisterre, whose founder Tom Kay is also a volunteer crew member, and will be on display at their Covent Garden store. Millard’s photos also feature in the brand’s new lookbook, modelled by UK lifeboat crews.
See Nigel Millard’s Volunteers Who Brave The Sea at Finisterre’s Covent Garden flagship store, February 11 to April 18.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Nick Haymes’s intimate portrait of his family’s life
Chronograph — Over 25 years, the photographer documented his son’s lives as they grew into adults. The resulting photobook is an exploration of the passage of time, as well as the optimism of youth.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Kristina Rozhkova’s scatty, confronting portrait of captivity
Gut Feeling — The Russian artist’s 2024 arrest and subsequent detention opened her eye towards the omnipresent dynamics of power and control. Her new photobook is a stark exploration of being trapped.
Written by: Isaac Muk
UK’s first ever Latino film festival is coming to London
LoLaFF — Taking place between October 2-6, it will feature 55 filmmakers from Latin America, with an opening night at the Barbican.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Shawn Walker’s layered, psychedelic vision of Harlem’s streets
From BeBop to Illusion — Using glass as a means to illuminate the city’s different layers, the longtime photographer and filmmaker is publishing his first monograph at the age of 86.
Written by: Miss Rosen
In photos: The enduring resistance of Notting Hill Carnival
Carnival of Resistance — A new photobook by Wayne Campbell and Wayne Crichlow reflects on the protest beginnings of Europe’s biggest street festival, along with the traditions keeping its original spirit alive today.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Washing strangers’ feet at Houghton Festival
Pedilavium — As part of artist Henry Krokatsis’s performance piece at the weekender, we sat down with over 30 others to clean the dusty digits of passersby, while reflecting on the power of collective ritual and human connection.
Written by: Isaac Muk