The scarlet lady that adorns the Virgin planes was painted by Swindon artist Ken White, who is best known for his murals in the town.

On Tuesday, April 23, at Artsite’s Post Modern Gallery in Theatre Square, Ken is launching an exhibition of his work.

Ken's Scarlet Lady first flew in at the launch of Virgin Atlantic in 1984 but this month the lady in red will be the centrepiece of the artist's own exhibition.

Ken learnt many of his skills working as a sign painter in the railway works in Swindon. He started inside when he left school at the age of 15, following family tradition, despite knowing he always wanted to be a painter.

“I started straight from school. It was the only place to go and my brother, dad and grandad had all worked there so it was following tradition,” he said. “I worked there for four years.
He started out doing rivet hotting which meant having to heat up the rivets in a fire, and he often burnt himself and left work filthy and dirty.

After two years Ken, who now lives in The Mall, Old Town, found a job which he was much more suited to. He became a signwriter, which he says stood him in good stead for when he eventually fulfilled his dream of becoming a painter.

“After two years I saw a guy sign writing and said I wanted to do that and one of my friends got me a job doing that which I enjoyed.”

In 1962 Ken left the railway works to pursue his dream and become an artist. He attended Swindon Art School.

“I went against my parents wishes because I was bringing in money when I was working but only had a small grant when I went to college,” he said.

“The works closed in 1986 and a lot of people were out of work so I think my parents knew I made the right choice in the end.

“I use the railway works as a big inspiration because it is what I know and I have a lot of memories of it.

“I don’t know why I paint it but it was just the atmosphere of the whole thing that I try and capture.

 Ken is well known for his murals in and the town and recently repainted the mural on the corner of Princes Street and Fleming Way of the Golden Lion Bridge. He has also been in demand to paint murals in places such as Canada and Scotland.

For many years Ken was the personal artist for Virgin boss Richard Branson which is why Scarlet Lady is now on every Virgin plane.

Ken is hoping that his red lady banner, measuring 16ft long, will be flying from the ceiling of the Post Modern Gallery for his exhibition which starts on Tuesday.

Ken will be there each day as artist in residence for people to chat to him about his work on show.

Ken White – The Big Picture includes examples of his work depicting inside the Swindon rail works and his celebrities runs until Thursday, May 2, from 11 am to 4pm.