Art is set for sky-high bid (From Swindon Advertiser)

Art is set for sky-high bid

7:10pm Friday 5th October 2012 in News By Josh Layton

A PIECE of art featuring hundreds of signatures and badges from pilots, aviation personnel and the Air Chief Marshal is to be auctioned online for the RAF Charitable Trust.

The large, one-off framed print features the official 2012 Royal International Air Tattoo art created by aviation artist David Bent.

It has been signed by many of those who took part in the airshow, including the Red Arrows, the US Air Force’s B-2 Stealth crew, RAF display pilots, the Vulcan crew, the South Korean Black Eagles team and the Polish Air Force MiG-29 Fulcrum display pilot.

Others signatories include the UAE’s Al Fursan team, the Japanese Air Self Defence Force KC-767 crew and the USAF F-15E Strike Eagle team.

It features more than 280 signatures and several squadron patches, pins and stickers representing air forces from around the world.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff, also signed the artwork during July’s airshow.

The print, measuring 1m x 1.2m, will be auctioned on eBay for a limited 10-day period later this month.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said the artwork would create a talking point.

He said: “There is so much to look at and enjoy – it really is striking. Not only will the winning bidder own a highly collectable piece of aviation art with an historical provenance, but the money they bid will help support the excellent work of our parent charity.”

David Bent, who works from his studio in Old Town, said: “As an artist inspired by aviation, I was delighted to have the opportunity to create the image for the Royal International Air Tattoo.

“By signing and adding their badges to this poster, outstanding aircrews from all around the world have contributed to creating a unique item.”

To place a bid for the artwork, visit airtattoo.com.

The closing date for bids is October 12.

All proceeds will go to the Fairford-based trust.