SAA set to make a splash on river of red, white and blue...

Illustration: Josh Knowles

On Sunday 3rd June 2012, The Queen will lead a flotilla of up to one thousand boats from the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world. Passing under 14 bridges from Chelsea Pier to Tower Bridge, the joyous river procession will bring the Thames to life as part of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

To support its global coverage, the BBC approached the SAA, society for all artists, for help in selecting suitable artists to help capture the celebrations.

Image: Joseph Bennett

With over 45,000 members, the SAA is widely recognised as the most unique artists’ organisation that exists to inform, encourage and inspire those people who share a genuine interest in painting.

Thirteen lucky SAA members, all chosen by the BBC, will join Anneka Rice at the Millennium Bridge as part of a small team of artists poised to capture the electric atmosphere and spectacle of the largest fleet of ships ever to be assembled on the River Thames in 350 years.

Of those SAA members chosen to attend, David Porteous-Butler comments “I am both honoured and proud to be chosen to capture such a momentous national occasion and remain totally indebted to the SAA for their continued support.”

Ali Cockrean adds “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the spirit of 2012 - a year that sees the Queens Diamond Jubilee, Euro2012, and the Olympics. It’s also a crowning achievement for the SAA who are celebrating their own special 20th Anniversary. I hope that even more people will discover the pleasures of painting and join in the celebrations by creating their own winning works of art.”

One million people are expected to line the banks of the Thames, with billions of global viewers tuning in to watch live BBC coverage of the four and half hour floating extravaganza, which promises to be one of the major highlights of the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend celebrations.

BBC Coverage starts at 1.30pm, with the seven mile long flotilla scheduled to arrive at the Millennium Bridge at approximately 3.30pm.

John Hope-Hawkins, Chairman of the SAA says “We are delighted that the BBC has recognised the SAA as one of the most unique artists’ membership organisations, and that the talents of our many members will play such an important part in capturing Britain’s diversity and reflecting the Commonwealth's culture and maritime history”.

We hope that this national colourful canvas will provide the perfect backdrop to your own local Jubilee Celebrations with family and friends.

SAA Members taking part in capturing the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant include: Paul Alcock, Derek Baker, Ali Cockrean, Anthony Garratt, Fiona Graham, James Milroy, Robert Newcombe, Rob Pepper, David Pilgrim, David Porteus-Butler, Mary Smith, Haidee-Jo Summers and Peter Vaillant.