I live by the sea and we have a few lighthouses and they are all beautiful in their own way. I must admit to a certain fondness for them and I have become aware I am not alone in my fascination.

Lighthouses do seem to resonate with people. They seem to appeal on some sort of emotional level. Maybe it’s the history of saved lives juxtaposed with foul weather. Maybe it’s the unconscious knowledge of feeling safely ashore and the lighthouse stands as a reminder that systems are in place to keep us feeling safe.

Our local shops sell small models, stained glass panels, tote bags, pictures and paintings of real and imagined lighthouses. People take them home and display them in their houses. Far from the coast, lighthouses adorn bathrooms, living rooms and kitchens. Maybe is it not so much a beacon of safety people taken home, but a reminder to return to the beach and enjoy the sea once again.