Artist's work on show at Battle of Britain service

5:43pm Sunday 5th September 2010

By Barrie Hudson

A SWINDON aviation artist’s work will take pride of place at the Battle of Britain Service of Remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral tomorrow.

David Bent, whose studio is in Marlborough Lane, will have works from his Memorial Flight and Battle of Britain collections on display in the crypt of the cathedral.

David’s art is displayed in galleries and other locations across the world, and has been displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo for a decade.

He has been lover of aircraft since childhood and is regarded as one of the greatest aviation artists currently working.

The work on display tomorrow will include images reflecting the heat of battle and also showing iconic aircraft, such as the Spitfire and Hurricane, in ways evocative of memorial stones.

David said: “I am delighted to have been invited to exhibit at St Paul’s Cathedral on September 7 as part of the Battle of Britain 70th anniversary commemorations.”

The gathering at the cathedral, hosted by the RAF Association in conjunction with the Lord Mayor of the City of London, commemorates the bravery of those who helped protect the city during the Battle of Britain.

It is part of a wider celebration called the City Of London Salute, which is part of the 70th anniversary celebrations of the iconic battle.

The salute is intended to recognise the effort of everyone directly involved in the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.

Those attending will include people such as firefighters, nurses, ambulance workers and even those who were children from the time, as well as Battle of Britain pilots and other military personnel who played a major part in the Second World War.

Tomorrow marks 70 years to the day since Hitler’s German war offensive switched from military targets to the bombing of cities and industrial centres, the beginning of the Blitz.

The service at St Paul’s will be followed by a parade through the nearby streets, over which a Spitfire, Lancaster and Dakota will fly in salute.

A full-sized Spitfire aircraft will also be positioned at the bottom of the cathedral’s main steps.

The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nick Anstee, said: “As the son of a former Wing Commander in the services, the RAF has been a huge part of my upbringing.

“I had the privilege to see the work done by wonderful people, dedicated to doing their very best at all times.”

Further information about David Bent and his work can be found at www.bentartgallery.co.uk The Battle of Britain Airshow will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 18 and 19 at the the Cotswold Airport in Kemble commemorating one of the greatest air battles ever fought, including special flying displays.

Gates open at 10am and tickets cost £10 in advance or £15 on the gate, with under 16s admitted free of charge.