As a collector I was interested in the lighthouses of the entire world. I found a lot of material, and it was very diverse, however, chaotic, incoherent, fragmented – like an image of some old lighthouse in a faded postcard, which is worthless even more so if you do not know the location of the lighthouse. Few of the lists of today's existing lighthouses could not offer much help. The understanding that books with clear pictures of historic lighthouses simply do not exist, was a decisive point.
Although lighthouses are equally interesting everywhere, I decided to “organise” those that are in the vicinity – the Baltic Sea lighthouses. Tentatively, I studied paintings of the Estonian lighthouses, then – Latvian, Kaliningrad area, Lithuanian, Russian, the Gulf of Finland... still waiting their turn are the lighthouses of Finland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Denmark.
The Baltic Sea interconnects nine states. From the thirteenth century, lighthouses facilitate sailors in their voyages. Time and modern technology are destroying this unique marine heritage. I want to collect and represent in my paintings all Baltic Sea lighthouses that have ever existed and, maybe, currently still exist. The ultimate goal of the project is the BALTIJOS JŪROS ŠVYTURIŲ ENCIKLOPEDIJA (Encyclopaedia of the Baltic Sea Lighthouses).
I did not expect that the number of lighthouses will be so big. Not only wars would destroy lighthouses. A new lighthouse would emerge on site of the old one, and the old would remain unrecorded. This was intriguing. I felt myself like a pioneer, stepping off the beaten track ... I had nobody for advice; I could not find anyone to consult me.
Now I appeal to you for help. I painted all versions of the eastern Baltic coast lighthouses I could find. There are more than 600 of them... Then, there is information...
Now I know that because of the extensive volume of work, the encyclopaedia will consist of two volumes. According to the pace of work I estimate that the first volume will be ready by about 2013-2014. The second – in another three or four years. I see a great meaning in this work and its continuing value.
If you care about it, too, I will appreciate your information and financial assistance. Together, we can preserve the history of lighthouses on the Baltics.
More photos...
