By Isle of Wight Observer
A powerful new portrait of a 100‑year‑old Second World War veteran from the Isle of Wight is set to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the charity that has supported him since he lost his sight later in life. The painting captures the remarkable wartime memories of D‑Day veteran Alec Penstone, who served in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Campania. During the D‑Day landings, the aircraft carrier was tasked with sweeping mines and detecting U‑boats, and Alec went on to complete 11 gruelling Arctic Convoy missions.
The portrait was created by Island artist Francesca Adami, who first discovered Alec’s story while sorting through her late mother’s newspaper clippings. She was struck by how much Alec resembled her uncle, who had served on the same missions but died many years earlier. When Francesca later found herself seated next to Alec at a VE Day anniversary event, she felt compelled to paint him and use the artwork to support Blind Veterans UK. With her father having been an optician, the project felt especially meaningful.
Over four months, Francesca met with Alec to hear his memories of D‑Day, the Arctic Convoys and the experiences that shaped his life. She describes Alec as “one of our last true heroes” and hopes the portrait will encourage people to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by his generation.
A limited edition run of 80 signed prints – marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War – is now available for £280 via iw.observer/alec-penstone-print, with 80 per cent of proceeds going to Blind Veterans UK. The original portrait will be displayed at the D‑Day Story Museum in January, with dates to be announced in the New Year.
