Flying high at the air tattoo (From Swindon Advertiser)

Flying high at the air tattoo

9:00am Tuesday 10th July 2012 in News

A VIBRANT piece of art used for the Royal International Air Tattoo’s official branding has been signed by almost 300 pilots, aircrew and VIPs.

The poster, by Swindon artist Dave Bent, will be auctioned for the RAF’s Charitable Trust Enterprise at next year’s event.

The Red Arrows joined ace pilots from across the globe, including the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Korea, in adding their signatures.

Some airmen even gave uniform badges to add to the presentation.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton and RIAT director and co-founder Tim Prince also signed the piece, which shows fictional jet pilot Ace Mandala.

The art featured prominently on billboards, in advertising and on poster sites around the UK in the run-up to the event.

David, a former Red Arrows artist-in-residence, exhibited other pieces of his aviation-themed work in the patron’s VIP pavilion.

He said it was an honour and privilege to attract such worldwide support. The Old Town resident added: “I spend the winter months alone in my studio trying to be creative so it’s fantastic to be here with thousands of people seeing my art.”

David and wife Carole were among the last people to leave RAF Fairford yesterday as the Vulcan bomber and Red Arrows jets left the base.

“We are honoured that all the pilots, aircrews and VIPs wanted to be a part of this,” Carole said.

“It has become a unique collector’s item, I don’t think there’s anything else in the world quite like it.”

The couple thanked Chromatic Arts in Swindon for donating the frame.