The Conflict Collection

01/11/2026

Inspired By Sacrifice

I was honoured to recently create an airborne themed maroon metal Poppy for the mother of Lance Corporal George Hooley who was tragically killed in Ukraine last year whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new weapons system.

It features the para wings logo as the central design and it is a privilige once again to be able to make one for the families of our fallen.

As we approach this years remembrance; we do so in our own way and reflect on the sacrifices made, this is a small reminder of both service and sacrifice.

Lest We Forget.

Utrinque Paratus.

30/10/2026

The last of the poppies have been grown in the planters outside my studio and I will miss them greeting me as I approach the entrance each day.
Petals have been pressed, seed heads collected and the stalks cut ready to make charcoal with.
These were grown in the original conflict earths and sands from around the world with a mix of all of them; ironically the WW1 locations produced the best results.
Growing my very own ‘Conflict Poppies’ and being able to utilise them in differing ways and mediums is a blessing.

29/10/2026

~ RAMC ~

A recent personalised metal display Poppy featuring the:

• Royal Army Medical Corps

First photo has been sent in from the customer and I love how they have displayed theirs in the bottle.

It’s always an honour and a privilige to create each and every one and I always hope it is a unique and personal way of remembering both service and sacrifice!

If you are after a personalised momento or gift idea then please get in touch, any regiment, unit or service can be done.

Measuring around 30cm in height these are made of metal with the brass centre and the red poppies are hand painted.

Lest We Forget.

28/10/2026

Happy Corps Birthday to HM Royal Marines.

🥃

Royal Marines

27/10/2026

I have just had a shout out to the Nation from Jeremy Vine, bloody signal here was too bad to go on the show and talk; as they have just had a military artist on, but still great to get a mention!

BBC Radio 2

📻 🖼️

24/10/2026

Ric Coulson and Chris Mould will be in the Crossley Gallery today from 1pm-3pm, talking about their artwork and answering any questions you might have.

The talks are free to attend and there's no need to book, just pop in and escape the weather outside.

While you're at Dean Clough, why not have a look around the Galleries or take part in the Bats, Cats & Rats Trail starting at Reception.

13/10/2026

A recent personalised Poppy completed and now with the customer who will be gifting this to a fellow Oppo of his.

Made for a former Royal Marine Falklands veteran it is always an honour to create each and every one.

I am now taking orders ready for the up and coming Remembrance Day and if you are thinking of getting a unique and personalised momento or gift then please do get in touch.

I can personalise the Poppy with any central design, from differing companies, units or services.

These average 30cm in height and are a unique and personal way of remembering both service and sacrifice be it both past and present.

Thankyou for your continued support.

Ric - The Conflict Collection

12/10/2026

Very saddened to hear the passing of World War Two Veteran Henry Rice who served with the Royal Navy and who also took apart amongst other duties the Normandy Landings.

I was honoured to create a Poppy for his 100th Birthday.

God bless.

May you Rest In eternal Peace.

Fair winds and following seas.

Thankyou Henry.

05/10/2026

Everyone is welcome to attend, we would love to see you for the opening of our artists biennial exhibition.

✨ Dean Clough Artist Biennial ✨

Our Dean Clough Artists have been working hard creating new work to be shown in the upcoming Biennial Exhibition.

The exhibition preview is on Saturday, 10th October from 12pm-2pm and will be a great opportunity to meet the artists involved.

📍The Crossley Gallery and The Tiny Gallery
📅 Saturday, 10th October 2026
⏰ 12pm-2pm
🎟️ Free Admission

11/09/2026

~ Reflection ~

It’s 25 years since the events which unfolded on 9/11. A day in which everyone at the time can remember what they were doing and where they were.
It changed lives and the world forever.
Putting politics, conspiracies and theories aside today; for me it is about all those who were tragically killed and scarred and to those who fought the War on Terror in which we lost friends, colleagues and family, not just in battle but those who returned mentally and physically damaged.
I remember the world before and I remember the world after.
Reflect in your own way and remember freedom isn’t free.

#911