Raymond Bragg

WELL-KNOWN and respected local artist Ray Bragg has died, aged 82.
A talented water-colourist Mr Bragg, of Solway Road, Kells, was a life member of the Royal Naval Association, a Normandy Veteran and a member of the Algerines (minesweepers) Association (Italy).
He died at West Cumberland Hospital on Tuesday, July 24. He loved to paint and his enthusiasm for the outdoors and boats provided him with plenty of subject matter and inspiration. His emotive and realistic pictures, in clear and precise watercolours, often depicted scenes in and around Whitehaven and were the subject of several local exhibitions.
Born in Beckermet, he had served in the Navy during the Second World War and as a qualified boson’s mate had travelled the world.
Mr Bragg came to painting in the 60s and 70s and his passion for old buildings, boats and dockyards, led him to some extreme lengths in order to ensure his work was accurate even learning to sail the schooners he wanted to paint so he could better-understand his subject.
A funeral service is expected to take place at St Peter’s Church, Kells on Monday. A devoted family man, Mr Bragg leaves wife Margaret, and three daughters Pauline, Sheila and Sandra, son-in-laws Derek, John and Michael, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Keen to share his skill and enthusiasm, Mr Bragg worked with voluntary groups in the area and became a regular art tutor at Age Concern, Whitehaven and at the Moorclose Centre, in Workington.
“Just sit me down with a brush in my hand and I could paint forever more not wanting for food or water,” he would say.