Description
Created in 1987, this original drawing titled “Fly for you Life”, was the concept for what became one of Robert’s most iconic paintings – “Victory over Dunkirk”
Robert Taylor’s master drawing depicts Fighter Ace Bob Stanford-Tuck destroying his third enemy aircraft of the day – an Me110 – over Dunkirk, on 23 May 1940. Tuck’s 92 Sqn Spitfire is seen in a vertical banking turn with the Me110 streaming smoke way below. Certainly one of the most dramatic aviation images depicting the action of the era and an early collaboration between Robert Taylor and Bob Stanford-Tuck.
Few fighter pilots scored a victory on their first day in combat. Bob Stanford-Tuck managed to destroy no fewer than three enemy aircraft on his first engagement. Adding credit to this feat, the combat took place during the early part of WWII when most of the time the RAF pilots were heavily outnumbered.
Regarded by many to have been one of the most naturally talented fighter pilots, Bob Stanford-Tuck demonstrated exceptional skill as soon as he started flying. He had complete mastery of his machine, be it Spitfire or Hurricane, and an uncanny skill in the art of tactics and deflection shooting in the heat of battle.
Fearless and effective in battle, no matter what the odds, Stanford-Tuck achieved a significant 29 aerial victories by 1942 when he was shot down by ground fire over Northern France.
This exclusive original work was featured in Robert’s book, Air Combat Paintings Volume I, on page 69 and represents an opportunity not only to own an original artwork from the famed artist, but a piece of aviation art history.
THE SIGNATURES
The drawing is personally signed by the artist and has been conservation framed by our expert team, to include the original autographs of Six Fighter Aces who flew in the Battle of France. Collectors will also recognize the significance of the original autograph of Bob Stanford-Tuck:
Wing Commander BOB STANFORD-TUCK DSO DFC** – 92 Sqn / 29 victories
Wing Commander PADDY BARTHROPP DFC AFC – 602 Sqn / 5 victories
Squadron Leader KEN ‘HAWKEYE’ LEE – 501 Sqn /5 victories
Group Captain BILLY DRAKE DSO DFC* – 1 Sqn / 22 victories
Air Commodore JAMES LEATHART CB DSO – 89, 54 Sqn / 8 victories
Air Commodore ALAN DEERE DSO OBE DFC* – 54, 403 Sqn / 17 victories
This is a rare opportunity for one collector to own an original work by one of the world’s most collected aviation artists.
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