{"product_id":"art-poster-original-art-quality-preparing-for-the-tirpitz-philip-e-west-5-original-signatures-limited-edition-10-300-framed","title":"ART-Poster, Original Art Quality — PREPARING FOR THE TIRPITZ — Philip E. West — 5 Original Signatures — Limited Edition 10\/300 — Framed","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left; background-color: #f7f8f9; padding: 20px; border-left: 4px solid #647382;\"\u003eWWII aviation art depicting Lancaster bombers being loaded with Tallboy bombs for a mission to sink the German battleship Tirpitz.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin-bottom: 13px;\"\u003eCharacteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"table table-striped\" style=\"width: 99.973%;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 21.7284%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArtist\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.0505%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhilip E. West\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 21.7284%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTitle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.0505%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparing for the Tirpitz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 21.7284%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.0505%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eVisible print: 65 × 40 cm (W × H). Framed: 83 × 57 cm (W × H).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 21.7284%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoster Credits\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.0505%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhilip E. West (artist) — SWA Fine Art Publishers, a division of Swan Winger Associates (publisher) — Signed by G. T. M. Caines, Jim Brookbank, Jim Pinning and W. G. Rees\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 21.7284%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.0505%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePublication year not confirmed. Historical subject: November 1944\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 21.7284%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrinting Methods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.0505%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eLimited edition fine art print\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 21.7284%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBacking\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.0505%;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFramed with cream-coloured mount and dark wooden frame\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin-bottom: 13px;\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis evocative wartime scene captures a critical moment in November 1944 as ground crews prepare Lancaster bombers of 9 Squadron for a special operation. The artwork depicts the meticulous loading of massive Tallboy bombs, weighing an impressive 12,000 lbs each, onto the aircraft in cold, gray weather conditions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe painting centers on Barnes Wallis's \"Tallboy\" bomb being loaded onto a Lancaster bomber, showcasing the scale and technical complexity of the operation. Ground crew members work diligently around the aircraft, with vintage military vehicles and equipment visible in the atmospheric setting. A second Lancaster can be seen in the background, emphasizing the coordinated nature of the mission.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis was a crucial operation targeting the German battleship Tirpitz, which lay at anchor near Tromso in Norway. The crews were being readied for departure to Lossiemouth or Kinloss en route to sink this formidable naval vessel, representing a pivotal moment in WWII strategic bombing operations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePREPARING FOR THE TIRPITZ — PHILIP E. WEST\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLimited Edition 10\/300 — Five Original Signatures — Certificate of Authenticity — Framed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDescription\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparing for the Tirpitz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an atmospheric aviation artwork by acclaimed British aviation artist Philip E. West, depicting the intensive ground preparations for one of the Royal Air Force's most significant operations of the Second World War.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSet in November 1944, the painting portrays Avro Lancaster heavy bombers of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo. 9 Squadron RAF\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e being prepared for a special mission against the German battleship \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTirpitz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGround crews work in demanding conditions to load the enormous \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e12,000 lb Tallboy bomb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, designed by the celebrated British engineer Barnes Wallis, into a Lancaster bomber.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA heavy tractor and specialised ground equipment stand beside the aircraft as engineers and airmen carry out their essential tasks. Another Lancaster awaits preparation in the background.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe muted colours, overcast sky and meticulous attention to technical detail convey the determination and professionalism of RAF ground personnel during wartime.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Context — Operation Catechism\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBy late 1944, the German battleship \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTirpitz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e remained a serious threat to Allied naval operations in northern waters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter several previous attacks, RAF Bomber Command organised a decisive bombing mission against the battleship, then anchored near Tromsø in Norway.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e12 November 1944\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Lancaster bombers from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo. 9 Squadron and No. 617 Squadron\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e attacked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTirpitz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e using the specially developed Tallboy bombs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 12,000 lb Tallboy was engineered to penetrate hardened targets and cause devastating structural damage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring the operation, several bombs struck the battleship, which capsized and sank.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparing for the Tirpitz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e commemorates the vital work carried out before this historic mission, highlighting the contribution of the ground crews whose skill and dedication made the operation possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the Artist — Philip E. West\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhilip E. West is a distinguished British aviation artist internationally recognised for his historically accurate and atmospheric paintings of military aircraft.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA self-taught artist and qualified private pilot, West has devoted his professional career to capturing important moments in aviation history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis work is particularly admired for its detailed aircraft representations, evocative lighting and careful historical research.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA member of the Guild of Aviation Artists, Philip West has received numerous awards and enjoys an international following among collectors of aviation art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Signatures and Historical Significance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis individually numbered limited edition print bears \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003efive original signatures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, associated with the artist and four Royal Air Force aircrew veterans:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhilip E. West\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — aviation artist.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSgt Jim Brookbank\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — No. 9 Squadron RAF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWarrant Officer G. T. M. Caines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — No. 9 Squadron RAF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlying Officer Jim Pinning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — No. 9 Squadron RAF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlight Lieutenant W. G. Rees\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — No. 9 Squadron RAF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese wartime aircrew signatures provide an important historical connection to the aircraft and operations depicted in the artwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Certificate of Authenticity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe print is accompanied by its original \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSWA Fine Art Publishers Certificate of Authenticity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe certificate identifies the work and confirms the numbered edition and the artist's personal signature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt also describes the use of high-quality paper manufactured from sustainably sourced timber and lightfast vegetable-based inks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe certificate accompanying this particular example is marked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10\/300\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdition Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArtist:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Philip E. West\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTitle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Preparing for the Tirpitz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e SWA Fine Art Publishers — Swan Winger Associates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdition number:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 10\/300\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal signatures:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Five\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCertificate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original Certificate of Authenticity included\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAircraft:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Avro Lancaster heavy bomber\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical unit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e No. 9 Squadron RAF\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical event:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Preparations for Operation Catechism — November 1944\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVisible print dimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 65 × 40 cm (width × height)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall framed dimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 83 × 57 cm (width × height)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePresentation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dark wooden frame with cream-coloured mount\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Presented as photographed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollectors' Interest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA highly appealing aviation collectible combining Philip West's historically detailed artwork with original signatures associated with RAF No. 9 Squadron and the preparations for the final attack on the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTirpitz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe early edition number, original Certificate of Authenticity and attractive traditional framing make this a particularly interesting addition to a collection devoted to RAF Bomber Command, Avro Lancaster aircraft and Second World War aviation history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Click \u0026amp; Collect\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease note that the shipping charge displayed at checkout is not the applicable shipping cost for this framed artwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe recommend free Click \u0026amp; Collect from our showroom at 49 Avenue de Roodebeek, 1030 Brussels, Belgium, by prior appointment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease contact us before ordering to obtain an accurate shipping quotation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"aviation.brussels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55050266771802,"sku":null,"price":325.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0270\/3015\/9446\/files\/ART-Poster_Original_Art_Quality_PREPARING_FOR_THE_TIRPITZ_Philip_E._West_5_Original_Signatures_Limited_Edition_10_300_Framed.png?v=1793367915","url":"https:\/\/aviation.brussels\/products\/art-poster-original-art-quality-preparing-for-the-tirpitz-philip-e-west-5-original-signatures-limited-edition-10-300-framed","provider":"aviation.brussels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}