Matt Shanks: Small adventures in words and pictures
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The keeper of Bell Rock lighthouse

The vicious storm continued to sink its teeth in to the gnarled coastline as it had done for over a thousand years. Bell Rock’s lighthouse keeper Alfred Weatherington knew these conditions better than anyone. The fishermen stood no chance of reaching the safety of harbour tonight without his help. He ascended the stairs thoughtfully concerned as the soft glow of the candlelight guided his way. He would show those brave men the way to safe passage through the angry north sea.

Artist notes: A beautiful documentary called The 7 industrial wonders of the world paired with my love of a life of solitude was the inspiration for Alfred. Lighthouse keepers were true heroes of those times and saved many many lives in an age of no GPS or even radio.