Jack Lowe 617
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, I'm a documentarist using photography, audio recordings and film to tell the story of The Lifeboat Station Project, my 8 year journey to all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations on the coast of the UK and Ireland. I photograph and interview the lifeboat volunteers I meet along the way but there’s a twist! Travelling in my mobile darkroom — a decommissioned ambulance called ’Neena’ — I use Victorian photographic techniques to hand-make the images on glass. Head to the dedicated website to see the hundreds of photographs made over the last six years and to find out how you can support and follow the rest of my journey.
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Forgive me if you're already onto this or I've missed something 'but' have you thought about doing something less corporate and more humanitarian that aligns with some of the prevalent crises we're facing?
For example, I think it would be amazing to see you partner with organisations like the Refugee Council [thinking of the chap you highlighted in your 2021 roundup who was finding people in Afghanistan using w3w]. Just think of the possibilities for people trying to find loved ones in Calais too as another example.
Then there are options like the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, Greenpeace and perhaps even individuals like Greta Thunberg.
The possibilities really are endless. What about The British Antarctic Survey too? A barren landscape that would surely be interesting from a w3w perspective?
Personally, I would find this much more palatable than the corporate affiliations. I understand why you've gone down this route but...the times, they are a changin' — you really would be reaching altogether different audiences by aligning yourself with the threats facing the only home we've ever known.
https://w3w.community/question/a-quick-poll-to-start-off-the-year-which-of-the-following-do-you-most-want---61d87a6157c06077e49d626a
I invited people to come and say hello and/or lend a hand and provided the w3w address of the huge 8 x 4 metre poster (Llandudno RNLI) to point them in the right direction:
https://twitter.com/ProjectLifeboat/status/1446475271369003013?s=20
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The first of three 8 metre rows is up…it’s going to look amazing! All part of the @NorthernEyeFest fringe festival.
— The Lifeboat Station Project (@ProjectLifeboat) October 8, 2021
The @what3words address is:
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You can sponsor sheets here:https://t.co/qrUQDQpJrb pic.twitter.com/vuVh9okyY4
As you'll see/hear, he's using what3words not only for his own notes but so that people can go and find the spots if they'd like to. The dolphins in the first track are extraordinary:
https://matthewtuckey.bandcamp.com/album/field-notes-from-amble
It was a beautiful, relaxed occasion in a wildflower meadow. Our friend has made a note of the spot using what3words, and she also used the address to make it easier for people to find the ceremony.
This is not the first time I've heard of w3w being used for woodland burials. For example, another friend of mine has used it to reserve a specific plot 'ahead of time' with his local council. When describing it to them he asked:
"Can I give you the what3words address?"
"Yes, of course." they replied because they knew all about w3w.
As their respective times come, he will be buried alongside his wife in their chosen 3 metre square.
Rather excellent and beautiful, I think.
[the address in the picture denotes the sign's location rather than the grave itself]
https://twitter.com/MrJackLowe/status/1406658545332989957?s=20
Made it to Seaham bright and early this morning for a Sunday paddle with my pals. I really enjoy using the @what3words app to keep a record of my favourite coastal spots — it helps me to #KnowExactlyWhere they are for next time! Care to share your favourite #what3words locations? pic.twitter.com/21c6X6v2qi
— Jack Lowe (@MrJackLowe) June 20, 2021
https://mailchi.mp/jacklowe/coastal-catchup-50
https://twitter.com/ProjectLifeboat/status/1404743608318758913?s=20
I can’t wait to resume my nautical odyssey and I’ll know exactly where each photograph was made thanks to @what3words. Have you ever looked up your favourite coastal spots using the app? A great way to keep a record and the addresses are often like little poems! #KnowExactlyWhere pic.twitter.com/AT36JiyzYw
— The Lifeboat Station Project (@ProjectLifeboat) June 15, 2021
https://twitter.com/MrJackLowe/status/1400016219093278720?s=20
It would be interesting to know how many rescues were delayed or hampered because they had no tool to describe their location. Several of the issues described in the article are also highlighting problems that aren’t to do what3words at all but with emergency services’ protocols.
— Jack Lowe (@MrJackLowe) June 2, 2021