A 100-year-old Second World War veteran from the Isle of Wight has been painted by a local artist in a portrait which captures his wartime memories.
D-Day veteran Alec Penstone served in the Royal Navy. During D-Day Alec was onboard the aircraft carrier HMS Campania which was sweeping mines and detecting U-boats during the invasion. Alec also completed 11 gruelling Arctic Convoy missions during the Second World War.
Alec lost his sight later in life and has been supported by Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, since 2020.
Artist Francesca Adami, who also lives on the Isle of Wight, first discovered Alec while sorting through a pile of newspaper clippings after her mother had passed away. Francesca says:
“I noticed that one person had repeatedly featured. He looked extraordinarily like my mother’s brother, my Uncle John. Like John, the man in the paper had signed up to the Royal Navy at 16 and was even sent off on the same missions – D-Day, the Arctic Convoys and the Far East. Sadly, my uncle had gone long before. But this man was still very much alive! His name was Alec Penstone.”
Francesca later found herself sat next to Alec during a local event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It was at this moment that Francesca decided she would paint his portrait to raise money for Blind Veterans UK. She says:
“It seemed extra personal to me as my father was an optician and dedicated his life to helping people see.”
Over the next four months Francesca met with Alec to embark on the project.
“During this time, we talked about Alec’s memories of D-Day and the Arctic Convoys. These memories and many more shaped Alec’s life, changed mine and helped create the painting.
“Alec is one of our last true heroes, a gentlemen till the end and an absolute legend. I hope everyone who sees his portrait is compelled to stop and allow Alec to draw them into his world, to share a glimpse of what he went through and sacrificed, day after terrifying day, for six years of his young life to enable us to be free.
“We owe him, and those who went with him, so much. It is my privilege to share my painting and if you would like to help me raise money for Blind Veterans UK, a charity which means a great deal to Alec, I would be so grateful.”
A limited edition run of 80 signed prints, to celebrate 80-years since the end of the Second World War, are now available to purchase signed by Francesca and Alec. 80% of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to Blind Veterans UK.
To find out more about the portrait and to make a purchase you can visit Francesca’s website at francescaadamiart.com/copy-of-my-miracle
The original portrait will be displayed at the D-Day Story Museum in January. Exact dates will be promoted via Francesca’s website in the New Year.
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/apply
