South Cumbrian artist Kevin Cookmead is launching a collection of paintings to commemorate life at BAE Systems’ Barrow yard.
Kevin, who has terminal cancer and is entering the final months of his life, wanted to use his skills to benefit others. Therefore the paintings and a number of prints, which have been produced in conjunction with BAE Systems, are to be sold to raise money for St Mary’s Hospice.
Kevin, who has worked at BAE Systems for the past six years, said: “One in two of us will get cancer at some point in our lives. You never think it will be you, I’m no different. Following a major operation and chemotherapy, in February I was told there were no medical or clinical routes left and I was terminal.
“I needed to keep some focus and purpose, so I painted the RNLB Herbert Leigh with a hope it could go on permanent display in the Dock Museum. I got talking to some colleagues who reminded me that it was the yard’s 150th birthday this year, we thought it might be nice to do a painting for the yard to commemorate.
“I’ve worked at BAE Systems (Submarines) for the past six years and thoroughly enjoyed it. The thought of being able to tie work in with my hobby to raise money for the hospice really excited me.”
Working with the team at BAE Systems, Kevin’s idea developed and eventually grew into a set of three paintings.
- The original HMS Dreadnought, launched in Barrow on Trafalgar Day1960.
- The HMS Trenchant, launched in 1986 in Barrow and ended her illustrious career in March 2021
- HMS Astute, the first of seven Astute-class submarines being constructed for the Royal Navy.
The three paintings have been combined to create 50 specially designed limited-edition print sets, which Kevin has signed, and which have been signed by the yard’s Managing Director, Steve Timms. The limited edition comprises 150 prints in total (50 sets of three), which mirrors the 150th anniversary of the yard.
Submarines Managing Director, Steve Timms said: “I am incredibly humbled by Kev’s spirit and determination to produce these paintings which will not only leave a legacy but will also raise funds for others in their time of need.
“Kevin’s talent and commitment is enormously impressive. I’m sure this will be a successful fundraiser for St Mary’s Hospice, which plays such a vital role in our community.
“We are immensely proud of the work we do for the Royal Navy and it’s great to see submarines past and present represented in these paintings.”
The collection is available in the web-shop of the St Mary’s Hospice website https://www.stmaryshospice.org.uk/product-category/exclusive-prints/
A further 300 prints (100 if each painting) are available, unsigned, at a more accessible price.
Kevin added: “I’d like to thank BAE Systems and the special people involved for the extensive help and cooperation to make this a reality.”
Kevin has also provided a regular video blog on St Mary’s social media channels, charting the progression of his illness, which he hopes will be useful to others facing a similar diagnosis.
Karl Connor, Head of Communications and Community Engagement at St Mary’s, said: “Kevin is a quite remarkable character. He got in touch with us a few months ago because he wanted to raise money for us, and also to help share understanding of what it’s like for someone who is relatively young to be facing up to a terminal diagnosis.
“Through his video blogs he has been able to share a little bit of Kevin with the world. He’s seldom down or melancholy, and really has lifted the spirits of those he meets and interacts with. His videos will be really helpful to others who are in his position in the future.
“And the standard of his painting is fantastic. I’m sure lots of people will want to own a piece of the collection.”