Philip West. Aviation art prints of
the Supermarine Spitfire by Artist Philip West
Philip West is recognised as one of
the worlds finest aviation artists. Collectors of his original oil paintings
span the globe, many waiting patiently for his next breathtaking canvas to
appear. With some one hundred and eight limited editions behind him, a waiting
list of commissioned paintings for clients both existing and new, and a head
full of ideas for new limited edition prints, life is never dull for this
Wiltshire based artist! Self-taught, after years of painting pictures for
friends and relatives, Philip took the plunge and became a full-time
professional artist. Since then he has developed a very loyal and expanding
for both his original paintings and prints. Whilst jets, and Phantoms in
particular, light Philips fire, he is also a master painter of piston-engined
classics; being renowned for his rendition of Avro Lancasters and Supermarine
Spitfires. Philip is also one of the few artists to also enthusiastically
paint pictures of Fleet Air Arm aircraft. Philips knowledge of aircraft and
the accuracy of his work combine to record a moment in history so perfectly,
that both collectors and admirers of his work are able to feel a real sense of
the excitement and drama that his work portrays.
Royal
Air Force fighter aircraft, maximum speed for mark I Supermarine Spitfire, 362mph
up to
The Seafire 47 with a top speed of 452mph. maximum ceiling for Mk I
34,000feet up to 44,500 for the mark XIV. Maximum range for MK I 575
miles . up to 1475 miles for the Seafire 47. Armament for the various
Marks of Spitfire. for MK I, and II . eight fixed .303 browning Machine
guns, for MK's V-IX and XVI two 20mm Hispano cannons and four .303 browning
machine guns. and on later Marks, six to eight Rockets under the wings or
a maximum bomb load of 1,000 lbs.
Designed
by R J Mitchell, The proto type Spitfire first flew on the 5th March 1936.
and entered service with the Royal Air Force in August 1938, with 19
squadron based and RAF Duxford. by the outbreak of World war two, there
were twelve squadrons with a total of 187 spitfires, with another 83 in
store. Between 1939 and 1945, a large variety of modifications and
developments produced a variety of MK,s from I to XVI. The mark II
came into service in late 1940, and in March 1941, the Mk,V came into
service. To counter the Improvements in fighters of the Luftwaffe
especially the FW190, the MK,XII was introduced with its Griffin
engine. The Fleet Air Arm used the Mk,I and II and were named
Seafires. By the end of
production in 1948 a total of 20,351 spitfires had been made and 2408
Seafires. The most produced variant was the Spitfire Mark V, with a
total of 6479 spitfires produced. The Royal Air Force kept Spitfires
in front line use until April 1954.
Spitfires Over the Needles by Philip West.
Battle of Britain, July 1940. Spitfires of 609 Squadron returning to their satellite station airfield at Warmwell to re-arm and re-fuel, following an intercept mission against enemy aircraft trying to disrupt shipping along the South Coast of England. Like many other RAF Squadrons, No 609 the (West Riding) Auxiliary Squadron distinguished itself in many great air battles with honour and courage.
Item Code : DHM1837
Spitfires Over the Needles by Philip West. - Editions Available
A gathering section of 124 Squadron Spitfires led by Peter Ayerst climbs for height above the bomber stream and a lone Mosquito. This squadron plus many others was tasked with protecting the bombers over occupied Europe. For these long range missions the Spitfires carry 90 Gallon Slipper Tanks to extend the relatively short endurance of the aircraft. In combat with enemy fighters they would jettison the tanks. However, following a shortage, they were encouraged to bring them back if they possibly could.
Item Code : DHM2710
Spitfires - High Patrol by Philip West. - Editions Available
Salisbury Cathedral is famous for its elegance and having the highest spire in England: 404ft high. During 1940, 609 Squadron Spitfires were based near-by at Middle Wallop, from where they fought the Battle of Britain and joined the first cross channel operations against occupied Europe. The airfield was attacked several times during the Battle of Britain, causing casualties and a number of aircraft were destroyed.
Item Code : DHM1671
From Dawn to Dusk by Philip West. - Editions Available
On the 11th August 1942, Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey Wellum DFC, having just taken off from the deck of HMS Furious, leads his section of gathering Spitfires on the long journey to Malta. They are much-needed reinforcements for the beleaguered island, now in the twenty-sixth month of its siege. To enable each of the 38 Spitfires dispatched from Furious to reach Malta, over three hours flying time away, they carry maximum fuel together with a centre-line over-load tank. Even their ammunition is removed to save weight. Escorting Furious to her aft is the Cruiser HMS Manchester together with Destroyers Brave and Lithe. To their port side is the Ohio tanker laden with fuel during what became an epic voyage. In the distance HMS Eagle succumbs to an Axis torpedo attack. The success of Operation Pedestal was absolutely critical for the survival of Malta, bringing desperately needed fuel, food and ammunition to the Island. Losses were heavy but the courage and determination by all involved prev.........
On the 6th June 1944 the invasion of Normandy commenced. The RAF was, of course, a major combatant and formed part of a dedicated Allied force tasked with freeing Europe. VE Day finally signalled the end of hostilities on the 8th May 1945. During those bitter months many great air battles were fought in the unforgiving skies and individual combats ensued. One such combat is depicted here, displaying the eerie feeling of the victor and vanquished between two of the greatest aircraft ever built. Never before in the history of war had such an impressive and awesome gathering of aircraft come together. The Allies quest was for freedom, with the Luftwaffe fighting for its very existence - the battle lines were drawn.
Geoffrey Wellum joins combat head-on with a Dornier during the Battle of Britain. He was part of a small group of 10 spitfires from Biggin Hill facing 150 plus enemy bombers and fighters. Other friendly fighters joined battle but the defenders were still vastly out numbered, a scene repeated on many occasions in the summer of 1940. On this particular day Geoff scored a Heinkel destroyed, together with a Dornier as a probable.
Item Code : DHM2327
Against All Odds by Philip West. - Editions Available
Flt/Lt John Dundas, having already notched up eleven victories to his name during the Battle of Britain 1940, is viewed out on the last patrol of the day off the Isle of Wight. In a few moments he will be heading back to his base at Middle Wallop. Days later, John Dundas shot down the then leading German air-ace, Major Helmut Wick. Sadly Dundas, in turn, lost his life to Wick's wingman. He had fought with bravery but like so many of the few he paid the ultimate price, fighting for our freedom.
The winter of 41 is remembered well by Geoffrey Wellum, pilot of Spitfire G for George. Bitter cold and heavy snow during this Battle of Britain period made flying conditions almost unbearable. The ground-crews job at RAF Manston, never easy at the best of times, involved working in all weathers to keep the aircraft in a state of readiness for the pilots to return to the battle at the earliest opportunity.
Item Code : DHM2628
Pride of Britain by Philip West. - Editions Available
17th May 1943, Sqn Ldr Frank (Jerry) Fray in his Spitfire PRX1 of 542 Squadron operating out of RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, returned alone and unarmed to gather photographic evidence from 30,000 feet of the Möhne dam having been breached earlier the same day by 617 Squadron Lancaster bombers.
Item Code : DHM2191
Mission Accomplished by Philip West. - Editions Available
The White Cliffs at Dover patrolled and protected by two magnificent Spitfires. A sight to bring back memories of days, thankfully long gone, when the future of Great Britain was at stake.
Item Code : DHM2326
Defending the Realm by Philip West. - Editions Available
First Light - Battle of Britain, July 1940 by Philip West.
Another busy start to the day at Biggin Hill in the summer of 1940. The Battle of Britain is at its height and 92 Squadron Spitfires with Geoffrey Wellum in G for George, depart under early morning sunlight to engage a mass of incoming enemy aircraft over the southeast coast. By the end of 1940 the Squadron was credited with having destroyed 127 German aircraft.
Item Code : DHM2319
First Light - Battle of Britain, July 1940 by Philip West. - Editions Available
A 101 Squadron Lancaster returns home after yet another highly dangerous but vitally important mission over occupied Europe. The Squadron was involved in Special Duties ops usually carrying an extra, German speaking operator to transmit messages designed to confuse enemy fighters trying to intercept bomber formations. During the D-Day landings and beyond, Bomber Command was tasked with daylight and night missions to help clear the way for land forces. The bombers were usually given fighter escort, in this instance Spitfires, to and from these sorties.
Item Code : DHM1603
Moral Support by Philip West. - Editions Available
At the end of another days hard air combat fighting over the war-torn skies of England, Spitfires of 92 Squadron enjoy a rare, peaceful moment prior to returning to base during the Battle of Britain. The few prevailed and gave us the freedom we enjoy to this day.
Item Code : DHM2678
Spitfires - Masters of the Air by Philip West. - Editions Available
High over the southern coast of England in 1940 a Spitfire (Mk 1) of 609 Squadron from Middle Wallop, flown by Flying Officer John Dundas, lies in wait for enemy aircraft (Junkers 87 divebombers) on their way to attack British naval installations at Portland.
Item Code : DHM2311
Supermarine Spitfire MkI by Philip West. - Editions Available
Spitfires (MkI) of 92 Squadron out of Biggin Hill in September 1940 are about to take on the enemy during the Battle of Britain. The aircraft in the background was flown by Pilot Officer Alan Wright - his list of victories was eleven, three destroyed, two probables, two possibles and seven damaged.
Item Code : DHM2244
In Defence of Britain by Philip West. - Editions Available
Few people become a legend in their own lifetime. Douglas Bader was one such person. An exceptional pilot and leader, t the age of 21, as a young RAF officer, he had both legs amputated after he crashed his aircraft. Through sheer guts and determination he learnt not only to walk again, but also fly, subsequently becoming the RAFs most famous WW2 fighter pilot. Flying his Spitfire with the unmistakable DB markings, Wing Commander Bader with his wingman close by, heads home to Tangmere after another successful, action-packed day, taking on swarms of enemy aircraft intent on wreaking havoc over the south of England.
Item Code : DHM1816
Fleeting Moments by Philip West. - Editions Available
Heavy snow during the winter of 1941 often kept pilots and their aircraft grounded, despite the best efforts of the ground crew. Spitfire G George - based at RAF Manston and assigned to Flt. Lt. Geoffrey Wellum, could only resume combat sweeps over northern Europe once the storm had passed and they were all satisfied the aircraft was safe to fly.
Without doubt the most famous British fighter aircraft. It always inspired devotion from pilots and mechanics alike – to this very day. Flight Lt. Geoff Wellum in his 92 Sqn. Spitfire, during an all-too rare quiet moment, one evening during the summer of 1940 - the height of the Battle of Britain. The aircraft that inspired devotion from pilots and mechanics alike, and such statements as - she really was the perfect flying machine; she hadnt got a vice at all - was also admired by those on the ground. In propaganda posters and illustrations, the Spitfire represented Britains defiance and commitment to ultimate victory.
Item Code : DHM2332
Evening Glory by Philip West. - Editions Available
