Artistic tribute to RAF on its 100th birthday will take off at Arboretum
An artistic tribute to the Royal Air Force – celebrating 100 years since it was formed – is to be unveiled in Staffordshire.
The exhibition by leading aviation artist David Bent is to be shown at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield. Tribute 100 is a new collection of his work.
The RAF was formed towards the end of the First World War, on April 1, 1918, and is the oldest independent air force in the world.
The exhibition, the artist's personal tribute to the legacy of the RAF, will be on display in the Arboretum’s Remembrance Centre from March 30 to June 30.
The artist's pioneering approach to aviation art has attracted widespread support, including many members of the force and the wider aviation community.
He said: "The Royal Air Force’s attitude has always been progressive and cutting edge, out there. For me, their motto Per Ardua ad Astra - from adversity to the stars - sums them up perfectly.
"From the earliest days, a century of hard work, imagination, skill and courage has taken the air force to the extremes of modernity and 3D space. This has provided the inspiration for my new collection of work.
He has used a variety of aircraft and propeller shapes representing 100 years of existence, attempting to evoke 'the spirit of that propulsive force that moves them forever forward, turning theory into evermore fantastical reality'.
He added: "I am very pleased that this collection is being launched at such a significant and meaningful place as the National Memorial Arboretum.”
The Arboretum has a wide range of RAF 100 events and activities taking place between April and July.
