RHAPSODY IN BLUE by Gerald Coulson V.P.G.Av.A
THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPITFIRE 1936-2006.
When test pilot Captain “Mutt” Summers flew a sleek new monoplane
fighter into the air for
the first time on 5 March 1936 neither he, nor its designer R J Mitchell,
had any idea as to the legend they had begun
As the little fighter lifted off Eastleigh airfield into the early spring sunshine, Summers knew immediately that Supermarine had created a thoroughbred. Powered by a 900 hp Rolls Royce Merlin engine, the prototype at once displayed superb handling qualities and performance. achieving almost 350 mph in level flight. Thus was born the Spitfire, the most famous British aircraft of all time.
The Spitfire was to become the most important single type Allied aircraft
of World War Two, was built in greater numbers than any other Allied fighter,
and remained in production throughout the war. Its superb design allowed
the airframe to be continually developed and by the end of the war, now
with twice the engine power, Mitchell’s little fighter had won its
place in history. Adored by its pilots, in experienced hands the Spitfire
was invincible in close air-to-air combat.
Gerald Coulson’s majestic study of Spitfire prototype K5054, resplendent
in its new all-blue paint scheme, is seen banking high above the clouds
during an early test flight in March 1936. Issued as a very exclusive
limited edition of just 70 prints to commemorate the 70th Anniversary
of the Spitfire, each copy of Rhapsody in Blue is accompanied by a superb
matching numbered companion print Mitchell’s Masterpiece.
MITCHELL'S MASTERPIECE by Gerald Coulson V.P.G.Av.A
THE SIGNATURES
Adding great significance to this 70th Anniversary Edition, each print
of Rhapsody in Blue is signed by the artist Gerald Coulson, together with
one of the worlds leading Spitfire Test Pilots:
Chief Test Pilot ALEX HENSHAW
Vickers Chief Test Pilot on Spitfires during WWII
70 Anniversary prints - £295inc vat (£251.07+vat)
THE ARTIST PROOFS
The FOUR signature Artist Proofs are additionally signed by three outstanding
Battle
of Britain fighter pilots who helped immortalise the Supermarine Spitfire.
Flight Lieutenant RICHARD L. JONES
Wing Commander JACK ROSE DFC
Wing Commander GEORGE W. SWANWICK
10 Artist Proofs - £395inc vat (£336.17+vat)
Rhapsody in Blue overall print size: 27" x 24"
Mitchell's Masterpiece, overall print size: 20" x 15 3/4"
Orders from outside the European Union are free from vat.
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