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A brand new, superb quality, highly restricted limited edition from the studio of the world's pre-eminent aviation artist, having prints endorsed with the original signatures of distinguished veterans that flew the mighty B-17 Fortress in the war-torn skies of Europe during the greatest air war ever fought.
A classic Robert Taylor painting, embodying all that is great in the work of the world's foremost painter of aviation subjects. Portraying the stark contrast between the peaceful English countryside of the 1940's, and the harsh reality of the mighty war machines of the day, is a scenario Robert Taylor has made his own.
With his new painting Robert reminds us that from the summer of 1942 until the end of hostilities, the USAAF's Eighth Air Force took the battle to enemy occupied Europe every single day that weather permitted. The largest air unit ever to go to war, the Eighth played a vital role in the ultimate defeat of Hitler's Germany. In the forefront of this awesome fighting force, the crews of the mighty B-17 Flying Fortress will be forever remembered.
Robert portrays ‘Skipper’ one of the longest serving B-17 Fortresses of the war, returning to Thurleigh on a cold afternoon in late January 1945. Flying with the 367th Squadron of the 306th Bomb Group, 'Skipper' was badly damaged in November 1944, repaired and returned to service to finish the war with over 100 combat missions flown. Depicted here, the bare metal replacement section in the tail, and several flak patches, have yet to be repainted by her busy ground crew. With the aid of Robert Taylor's sensitive representation, it is not difficult to imagine the thoughts and feelings of the returning aircrew as they see the runway at Thurleigh stretched out before them, welcoming them home as they make their final approach.
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