Description

A STUNNING TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC FIGHTER PILOTS OF WWI HIGH PATROL by Robert Taylor ARTIST PROOF A powerful piece depicting Sopwith Camels of 209 Squadron RFC on an early morning patrol in April 1918 THE SIGNATURES Published in 1984, this Artist Proof copy is personally hand signed by three iconic aviators including one of the pioneers of the aviation industry and two WWI Sopwith Camel Aces: Sir THOMAS 'TOMMY' SOPWITH BE, Hon FRAeS A legendary pioneer of aviation he taught himself to fly in 1910 setting a number of records and launched his own flying school. After meeting the Wright Brothers he licensed their Wright Model B then completely redesigned it and began designing his own aircraft, forming the Sopwith Aviation Company in 1912. During WWI the company produced more than 18,000 aircraft including the Sopwith Camel, which he designed. After WWI he was bankrupted by the British Government's newly introduced anti-profiteering taxes. He then formed another company, Hawker Aircraft, which was responsible for some of the most famous aircraft in British aviation history including the Hawker Hurricane the Typhoon and Hawker Hunter. He was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 1979. Sir Thomas autographed these prints when they were published in 1984, at the age of 96. Baron HAROLD BALFOUR 1st Baron of Inchrye MC and Bar Initially joining the Infantry in 1914 he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and was posted to No. 43 Sqn . He flew throughout WWI, becoming an Ace with 9 aerial victories, all in Sopwith Aircraft, mostly in the Sopwith Camel. He was awarded the Military Cross twice for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on numerous occasions. After retiring from the RAF in 1923 he became a politician and was elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament, serving with the Air Ministry during WWII. Air Marshal Sir AUBREY ELLWOOD KCB, DSC, DL, RAF Joining the Royal Naval Air Service in 1916 as a fighter pilot he became a double Ace scoring 10 victories, all while flying the Sopwith Camel. In 1919 he was awarded one of the first ever permanent commissions in the newly formed Royal Air Force. He held numerous positions in the RAF and during WWII was Deputy Director of Bomber Operations, Director of Coastal Command and Director General of RAF Personnel. He eventually became Commanding Officer in Chief of RAF Bomber Command before retiring in 1952. Published in 1984 this iconic piece has been sold out for many years and has become one of Robert Taylor's classic editions. It is of great historical significance that these legendary aviators have signed the print, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to collect an important piece of Aviation History. Mint condition: This is a long sold out secondary market print but has been stored flat in our gallery since the original issue and never framed. It is accompanied by its certificate of authenticity ALSO AVAILABLE FRAMED & SHIPPED – please ask for details. We will always do our best to combine shipping on multiple purchases whenever possible – please ask. BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: We have been in business for over 25 years and our items are guaranteed to be in perfect condition, unless specified otherwise. SHIPPING: Our prints are rolled in acid free tissue and shipped in large, heavy duty shipping tubes. matted & framed pieces are 'flat packed' in substantial packaging. Our shipping is insured and guaranteed. YOUR PIECE OF MIND: As a reputable company, if any issues do arise we don't expect our customers to deal with it. So if there are any problems such as with condition, delivery or damages then we will take care of it with a replacement, store credit or your money back. Please note: The signatures on our pieces are not reproductions; they are original autographs, hand-signed by the veterans involved.