Artist in Residency - A report
From 27th May - 1st June I did a week's residency at Bentley Priory.
I had a wonderful week at Bentley Priory, here are some of the highlights.
My 'studio' for the week, Dowding's office is just the other side of the wall.
The week was all about inviting children to help me paint my new Battle of Britain painting which they all did with great care and skill. (photo by Paul Tricker)
By the end of the week, over 40 children had contributed to the painting, each one signing their name on the back of the canvas and receiving a signed certificate.
By the end of the week, the painting was about half complete, the idea is to portray all squadrons that flew with Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain as a symbolic tribute to The Few. I'll now finish this back in the studio and the plan is to create a jigsaw of the art in time for the 80th Anniversary year.
On the final day we were delighted to welcome Battle of Britain pilot Archie McInnes to launch his book but also to paint his Hurricane on the canvas!
Another special guest on the final day was James Brown, owner and pilot of Hurricane R4118 who also added his unique aircraft to the scene.
The final day with Archie and Jonny Cracknell who wrote Archie's biography in the famous Rotunda at Bentley Priory, I'm very proud to have nine of my paintings hanging in this famous room.
...and finally I have to mention the outstanding cafe downstairs!
Bentley Priory Museum really is an exceptional place to visit. Knowledgeable and friendly staff and guides, child friendly exhibits and above all, the spiritual home of The Few.
The museum's website is here https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk