Stuart Harrison: The D-Day Landings

The Atkinson has commissioned a new piece of artwork for display at Southport Library that commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The anniversary is marked on Thursday 6 June 2024, when events across the nation will pay tribute to all who served in the Normandy Campaign.

Stuart Harrison, a Southport artist whose work includes illustrations for children’s publishers such as Oxford University Press, tells a unique local story in a comic strip form.

The artwork is based on the recollections of Southport veteran Ted Jackson, who fought at Sword beach on D-Day itself. Ted’s sister Angela carefully recorded his wartime stories. His son David ran the Southport Hobby scene model shop on Princes Street and showed Stuart the family’s military memorabilia, including Ted’s memento from the Landing – a tin of sand from Sword beach itself.

Stuart said – “I live in Southport and I wanted to create a comic strip to commemorate the 80th D-Day anniversary and to share Ted’s own experiences. Telling a story in this format, with large graphic images, is a brilliant way to engage kids.”

The Atkinson hopes the comic strip will serve to celebrate the courage shown by veterans 80 years ago on D-Day.

On Sunday 30th June 2024 The Atkinson will be celebrating Armed Forces Day, an annual opportunity to thank the Armed Forces community for their work and to learn more about life in the Armed Forces.

Sefton Council’s Armed Forces Community Covenant recognises the status of serving soldiers and veterans through a variety public events and support.