Dean Ellis (New York, 1920 - 2009) "Isle of Man Lifeboat" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood Mint Stamps of the World Collectors Panel for the Isle of Man -- Royal National Lifeboat Institute stamp issue of March 4, 1999. In 1802, the first lifeboat station on the Isle of Man was constructed at Douglas Bay. Established in 1824, the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) is a private and voluntarily supported organization providing and manning lifeboats and other rescue craft all along the coasts of the British Isles. Lifeboat volunteers are extensively trained at the RNLI headquarters. Topics include radar, radio and satellite navigation, capsize drills, night exercises, helicopter winching practice and emergency beaching. Sir William Hillary led lifeboat crews that saved over 300 lives. Hillary's "Appeal to the Nation," decrying the misery caused by so many shipwreck deaths, led to the foundation of the modern lifeboat. On March 4, 1824, the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck was formed. In 1854, the name was changed to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Image Size: 20 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 24 x 20 in. Unframed. (B16454)