Behind Tommy & Why?
A little background on why we chose Tommy for our first charity limited-edition framed canvas.
It all goes back to where we learned our craft in the early days of our photography journey: trips down to the seafront in Seaham, the town where I was raised.
Tommy was chosen as the subject for our first charity limited-edition framed canvas because his story embodies the resilience, quiet dignity and community spirit that Waterside Wallart seeks to celebrate.
Tommy stands proudly on Terrace Green, close to the town’s war memorial, Tommy—officially named Eleven-O-One—was created by local artist Ray Lonsdale to mark the centenary of the First World War. The name refers to 11:01 a.m. on 11 November 1918, the first minute of peace after the Armistice.
To many people in Seaham, Tommy is more than a sculpture. His bowed head, grounded rifle and quiet presence capture reflection, sacrifice and remembrance, while also standing as a familiar landmark on the coastline. For us, choosing Tommy felt personal: it connects our roots, our photography and a meaningful local symbol into one piece created to support a good cause.
The Tommy statue was brought to Seaham in 2014. It was originally intended as a temporary installation, but it became so popular that the community raised funds to keep it permanently on Terrace Green.
Most of my early serious work into photography came from early mornings down on the front capturing the artwork in the best available light with sometimes not so supportive weather. So although you make your own luck in photography the luck was defiantly on our side the morning, we took the image.
With this in mind, we decided to make a £5 donation from every purchase, with the edition limited to just 20 pieces. Given the subject and the meaning behind Tommy, we felt it was only appropriate that The Royal British Legion should be the beneficiary of this work of art.
The image has been used with the full approval of the owners of the artwork, Two Red Rubbers Things. Two Red Rubber Things - Home
