THE contribution of “The Few”, those pilots of the RAF who took part in the Battle of Britain, has been well documented. Yet it is important with each passing year to re-tell the story of their courage in the face of overwhelming odds, as well as the vital role of the ground crew and Fighter Command staff who supported them.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the battle which took place over the skies of London and beyond, and the RAF Museum in Colindale is marking this milestone with an exhibition of art, starting next month.
The exhibition brings together a significant part of the museum’s art collection directly relating to the battle.
Alongside pictures of aeroplanes, there will be a number of portraits of those who flew in the battle, as well as a portrait of Sir Hugh Dowding, the commander of RAF Fighter Command who master-minded the victory.
Featured also is a recently-modelled, sculpted head of Air Vice Marshal Sir Keith Park, air officer commanding No 11 Group, by Leslie Johnson, the sculptor whose full-length figure of Park has graced the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square since November.
Andrew Cormack, keeper of fine arts at the museum says: “Emphasis has been placed on displaying works that were contemporary, or more or less so, with the events themselves and one of the works is by a participant in the battle.
“Only works of exceptional quality which were painted more than a very few years after the events depicted are included in the display.”
This year the museum will be running a series of special events to mark the 70th anniversary.
The Battle of Britain Art Exhibition runs from Thursday, May 13 until December 31 at the Royal Air Force Museum, Grahame Park Way, Colindale. Free admission. Details: 020 8205 2266, www.rafmuseum.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article