Military Model Scene

Title: Flight Through the Ages

Author: Guild of Aviation Artists

Publisher: Pen and Sword

ISBN: 978-1-52676-377-8

 

I suspect I am not the only one who would love to own an original example of Aviation Art, maybe an oil painting, but who will never be likely to be able to afford such a gem. We make do with the variety of well priced prints which make them more affordable for so many of us. Being autographed by artists or veterans can increase their value, but the basic artwork will be the main attraction for most of us.
Many of the artists who produce such marvellous works of art are members of the Guild of Aviation Artists, with many famous names such as Michael Turner, Frank Wooten, Ronald Wong and Keith Woodcock, just to name a few. With this new book we have a chance to see even more examples of the beautiful results of the work by these accomplished artists. Personally I like Military Aircraft, but I was impressed by some of the paintings included in here which I would most likely have missed. The book is broken down into 12 sections, which between them neatly illustrate the story of flight as seen through the work of guild members. The sections cover Early Aviation, Balloons, Airships: First World War: 1920s and 1930s: Second World War: The Jet Age and Cold War: A New Millennium: Air Shows: Civil Aviation: Rotary-Winged Aircraft: Gliding: Museums and Portraits. It is rounded off with a description of Producing an Aviation Painting, 'Suez Patrol' by Chris French. A host of subjects are featured, including classics such as the SE5a, Fokker Triplane, Spitfires, Lancaster, the Meteor, Phantom, Vulcan, VC10 (in both RAF and BOAC guises) right up to the new F35.
Many years ago I remember seeing a painting (an F4 Corsair as I recall) pictured in a magazine which had won the Aviation Painting of the Year award, but unfortunately published after the exhibition had finished. I lived and worked in London for a Fine Art Shipping company at that time, and going into work the next day I walked into our receiving office, and there on the bench was the actual painting, waiting to be packed. Just for once I had my own private 'viewing' of an original. What you can do thanks to this beautifully presented collection in this new book, is have your own private viewings whenever you wish. Lots for the aviation enthusiast and plenty of inspiration for modellers, starting with the Stirlings 'Bombing-up' on the cover. Excellent.
 

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Thanks to Pen and Sword for this review copy.

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Robin