Jack Sullivan - A Docklands Artist

Policeman, serviceman, Cardiffian; artist Jack Sullivan’s greatest achievement was connecting the people of Cardiff to their past.

Born in Cardiff  Sullivan (1925–2002) spent much of his life immersed in the multicultural community of Cardiff Docks. Patrolling the docks with his sketch book as a young police officer, he captured over 800 scenes of community, violence and change which, after a storied military career, he transformed into these paintings and many more. 

Why? To try and capture reality. This way, his paintings can act as memories, allowing us to celebrate and honour the people of Cardff Docks in both war and peace and educate future generations on their rich past.

This exhibit is based on a physical exhibition at Museum of Cardiff (10 Nov 25 - 7 March 26) which was put together with the help of our volunteers, many of whom are working towards fully cataloguing our collection of photographs and documents relating to Cardiff Dockland and the Tiger Bay communities so that it is accessible via this online archive.

“YES, I’m proud to be a citizen of Cardiff…The real Cardiff, that  was made by coal and ships. Ships and seamen…”
Jack Sullivan
“I think my paintings are a form of remembrance. I get the greatest pleasure when someone says of the painting, “That’s how it was.”
Jack Sullivan