WINGS OF GLORY

Description

“Achtung SPitfire!! Achtung Spitfire!!” The shrill, nerve-tingling words screamed over the intercoms that never failed to bring fear and trepidation to the Luftwaffe bomber crews, and a rush of adrenalin in the German fighter pilots.  More than any fighter in the history of aerial combat, the Spitfire has set aviators’ emotions racing.  And, after all these years, she does to this day!

Like her great adversary, the Messerschmitt Bf109 the Supermarine Spitfire gained legendary status, both fighters becoming timeless symbols of the opposing nations that contested the skies of Europe during World War II.  Drawing first blood in the Battle of Britain, their six-year duel continued without interruption till the end of the war.

Being directly descended from Mitchell’s pre-war, all-conquering Supermarine racing seaplanes, the little all-metal fighter arrived n the RAF squadrons in 1939 – just in the nick of time!  Only 9 squadrons had received their gleaming new Spitfires at the outbreak of war, 19 squadrons being operational at the outset of the Battle of Britain.

Distinctive with its thin aero-dynamically advanced elliptical wings and the unmistakable roar of its 12-cylinder Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, this graceful, agile, fighter was from the start close to the perfect fighting machine.  So fine was the Spitfire’s design no fewer than 40 variants were developed, more than any other British fighter in history.  Unlike its Bf109 rival, which sprouted bulges, bumps and cowls in its quest for performance, the Spitfire grew ever more sleek and beautiful with each step in her illustrious career.  In her final cloak, she was a masterpiece.

Robert Taylor’s spellbinding painting, Wings of Glory, paying tribute to Mitchell’s immortal fighter, features the MkX1X Spitfire of the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.  Powered by the Rolls-Royce Griffin engine providing maximum speed of 450mph and a 44,000 feet operating ceiling, this lovingly restored aircraft thrills generations of aviation enthusiasts with her spectacular aerobatics at Europe’s summer air shows.

Captured here in a magnificent study by the world’s foremost aviation artist, this most beautiful of fighters gives a virtuoso performance; high among the clouds, alone in her magical element, she dances an aerial ballet like no other could.

Each copy in every edition is issued with a matching numbered companion print:

SPITFIRE SORTIE

A delightful study of a beautiful fighter aircraft.  This colorful Companion Print, initialed by the the artist, shows a MkVb from 92 Squadron during the summer of 1941, above the green fields of southern England. 

THE COLLECTORS EDITION

Every print of “Wings of Glory” is signed by FOUR distinguished pilots who flew the Spitfire during World War II.

Squadron Leader NEVILLE DUKE DSO OBE DFC* AFC CzMC – 92 Sqn / 28 victories
Wing Commander JOHN FREEBORN DFC* – 74 Sqn, 602 Sqn, 118 Sqn / 17 victories
Chief Test Pilot ALEX HENSHAW – Chief test pilot of the Spitfire
Squadron Leader BASIL STAPLETON DFC – 603 Sqn / 6 victories

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN PORTFOLIO EDITION

A Rare Portfolio featuring the other great fighter of the Battle of Britain – the Hawker Hurricane.  Together with its classic stablemate – the Spitfire, they helped win the Battle of Britain’s darkest hour.  This edition is issued with a second matching numbered companion print:

HURRICANE VICTORY

A Hurricane pilot of 32 Squadron makes a victory pass over his victim, a Messerschmitt Bf109 brought down over Kent, September 1940.

This companion print has been individually signed by:

Air Commodore PETER BROTHERS CBE DSO DFC* – 32 & 257 Squadrons / 16 victories