ART-Poster, Original Art Quality — OVER THE BEACHES — Philip E. West — Five Original Signatures — Limited Edition 91/350 — Framed

Characteristics

Description

OVER THE BEACHES — PHILIP E. WEST

Five Original Signatures — Limited Edition 91/350 — Published May 2004 — Original Certificate of Authenticity — Framed

Description

Over the Beaches is an impressive aviation artwork by acclaimed British artist Philip E. West, commemorating the crucial role of the Royal Air Force during the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944.

The painting depicts a formation of Supermarine Spitfires flying above the Normandy coastline on D-Day.

The aircraft display the distinctive black-and-white invasion stripes applied to Allied aircraft for identification during Operation Overlord.

Below the fighters, the invasion beaches and Allied landing activity are visible through breaks in the clouds.

The composition combines spectacular aerial perspective, brilliant blue skies and dramatic cloud formations with the immense historical significance of the Normandy landings.

Philip West captures both the power of the Spitfire and the extraordinary scale of the Allied operation unfolding beneath the aircraft.

Historical Context — D-Day and Operation Overlord

On 6 June 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in history, beginning the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe.

The landings took place across five beaches in Normandy: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.

Air superiority was essential to the success of the invasion.

Royal Air Force and Allied fighter squadrons carried out numerous missions in support of the landing forces, including combat air patrols, fighter sweeps, reconnaissance and attacks against enemy transport and military positions.

The Supermarine Spitfire was one of the most recognisable British fighter aircraft involved in these operations.

Its manoeuvrability and combat performance made it especially valuable in protecting Allied forces from enemy aircraft.

The distinctive invasion stripes painted on Allied aircraft helped ground troops and naval personnel identify friendly aircraft during the complex operation.

Over the Beaches pays tribute to the pilots who helped establish and maintain Allied air superiority over Normandy.

The Supermarine Spitfire

Designed by R. J. Mitchell, the Supermarine Spitfire became one of the most celebrated fighter aircraft of the Second World War.

Its elliptical wings, aerodynamic design and powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine gave it excellent performance.

Although particularly associated with the Battle of Britain in 1940, the Spitfire continued to evolve and remained an important combat aircraft throughout the war.

During the Normandy campaign, Spitfires undertook fighter patrols and tactical operations in support of Allied ground and naval forces.

About the Artist — Philip E. West

Philip E. West is a British aviation artist internationally recognised for his highly detailed and atmospheric paintings of historic military aircraft.

A self-taught artist and qualified private pilot, West has devoted much of his artistic career to portraying significant moments in aviation history.

His work is admired for its historically accurate aircraft, convincing aerial perspectives and dramatic treatment of light and atmosphere.

He has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Duane Whitney Award for Excellence at the 1997 American Society of Aviation Artists Exhibition.

His signed limited edition aviation prints are collected internationally by enthusiasts of aviation history and military fine art.

Five Original Signatures

This individually numbered example bears five original pencil signatures, comprising the artist and four Royal Air Force veterans:

• Philip E. West — the artist.

• Flying Officer Tony “Titch” Hallett DFC — wartime RAF Typhoon pilot with No. 198 Squadron.

• Flying Officer Tom Hannam — RAF fighter pilot.

• Flight Lieutenant John “Chips” Carpenter DFC — wartime RAF fighter pilot.

• Flight Lieutenant David Ince DFC — wartime RAF pilot.

The four veteran signatures provide an important historical connection to the RAF's contribution to the liberation of Europe.

Original Certificate of Authenticity

This example is accompanied by its original SWA Fine Art Publishers Certificate of Authenticity.

The certificate confirms:

• Title: Over the Beaches

• Artist: Philip E. West

• Print number: 91

• Limited edition: 350 copies

• Publication date: May 2004

• Publisher: SWA Fine Art Publishers, a division of Sean Whyte Associates, England

The original certificate is included with the framed artwork.

Collectors' Interest

Over the Beaches is a highly attractive aviation collectible commemorating one of the defining events of the Second World War.

Combining Philip E. West's dramatic portrayal of RAF Spitfires above Normandy with five original signatures, a limited edition of only 350 prints and the original publisher's Certificate of Authenticity, this framed artwork offers considerable historical and collectible appeal.

An excellent addition to collections devoted to D-Day, the Royal Air Force, the Supermarine Spitfire and signed Second World War aviation art.

Shipping & Click & Collect

Please note that the shipping charge displayed at checkout is not the applicable shipping cost for this framed artwork.

The final shipping charge will be calculated individually according to the destination country, packaging requirements and delivery method, including home delivery or pickup-point delivery where available.

We recommend free Click & Collect from our showroom at 49 Avenue de Roodebeek, 1030 Brussels, Belgium, by prior appointment.

Please contact us before ordering to obtain an accurate shipping quotation.

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Les quatre signataires de l'édition sont confirmés par les références spécialisées de Cranston Fine Arts et Military Art.