Two Stephens Scown employees are featured in a unique painting, which has been created to raise money for a new cultural tribute after the devastating Cathedral Yard fire, which happened last October just round the corner from our Exeter office.
The Southernhay Life project is the brainchild of Property Search Group, which wanted to bring together the city’s law firms to raise money. PSG commissioned and auctioned off the painting, which was created by Devon artist Sara Nunan and features well known faces from the law firms in the Southernhay area.
Catherine Mathews, a partner and head of dispute resolution and Nick Randall, archivist from our Exeter office are both featured in the painting. Nick is a retained fire fighter and was called in to fight the fire, which destroyed the city’s historic Royal Clarence Hotel last October.
The painting depicts a ‘day in the life’ of the Southernhay area and shows lawyers and members of staff from Southernhay’s law firms enjoying their hobbles and interests like surfing, playing golf, supporting Exeter Chiefs, horse riding, running and singing. Nick is shown in his fire fighting gear and Catherine is getting ready to hike on Dartmoor.
Nick said: “The fire was such a blow to the city, and it was heartbreaking for all of us who were there on the scene. I was really pleased to be asked to be involved in the Southernhay Life painting – it is such a clever way of raising money and ensuring there will be a lasting tribute for the city.”
Andy Towers of PSG, which provides conveyancing search services to legal firms across the region, said: “We’re thrilled that so many of Exeter’s legal firms have helped support a lasting legacy following the terrible fire in Cathedral Yard.
“I’m sure the cultural tribute will be a fitting tribute to remember what happened but also a positive statement about the future of the wonderful city of Exeter.”
The painting was auctioned off at an event last week and was won by someone buying it for their father, who is a police officer and was involved in the emergency response for the fire. The auction event and other donations have raised £2,620. The money will go to the Devon Community Foundation for a cultural tribute, which will follow a public vote run by the Foundation.