YORK artist Neil Ward has made an unexpected and unusual visit to the RNLI Shop at Flamborough’s South Landing.

“Flamborough RNLI and residents of the village are all somewhat used to strange goings on in the area, but to see a Victorian bath in the middle of the beach containing a man sipping champagne with a butler looking on, complete with silver salver, surprised even the volunteers in the shop,” says Neil.

“My visit in June was in order to do some filming and photography to promote my series of illustrations named Flat Life, which reflects perspectives of a living environment that are ordinary, mundane and commonplace.”

Neil chose Flamborough for a backdrop as he has close links with the sea from childhood days and since moving to York 12 years ago, he has visited the East Yorkshire coast “quite regularly”.

“I have lovely memories of pair-trawling out of Felixstowe and walking along that stretch of coastline with my father, who not only lived on a houseboat, but also built his own fibreglass trawler,” he says.

“I’ve always supported the RNLI and know how important their role is in saving lives at sea. The volunteers in the Flamborough RNLI shop were most helpful, and it was a delight to meet them.”

Neil has just signed a 12-month contract with Hudson & Middleton Fine Bone China, who will produce a series of six maritime mugs, each with a different illustration from the Flat Life series.

“I received the samples earlier this month, and the response has been fantastic,” he says “People say that they love them and haven’t seen anything quite like them before.”

Already Mulberry Hall, in Stonegate, York, holds stock of Neil’s Flat Life coasters and the mugs will appear in shops within the next few months.

In the meantime, you can see the short video filmed at Flamborough South Landing and learn more about the Flat Life series on Neil’s website, njaward.com