70th Anniversary 1936-2006
RHAPSODY IN BLUE
by Gerald Coulson V.P.G.Av.A.

When test pilot Captain "Mutt" Summers flew a sleek new monoplane fighter into the air for the first time on 5 March 1936 neither he, nor its designer R.J Mitchell, had any idea as to the legend they had begun.

As the little fighter lifted off Eastleigh airfield into the early spring sunshine. Summers knew immediately that Supcnnarinc had created a thoroughbred. Powered by a 900 hp Rolls Royee Merlin engine, the prototype at once displayed superb handling qualities and performance, achieving almost 350 mph in level flight. Thus was born the Spitfire, the most famous British aircraft of all time.

The Spitfire was to become the most important single type Allied aircraft of World War Two. was built in greater numbers than any other Allied fighter, and remained in production throughout the war. Its superb design allowed the airframe to be continually developed and by the end of the war. now with twice the engine power. Mitchcll's little fighter had won its place in history. Adored by its pilots, in experienced hands the Spitfire was invincible in close air-to-air combat.

Gerald Coulson's majestic study of Spitfire prototype K5054. resplendent in its new all-blue paint scheme, is seen banking high above the clouds during an early test flight in March 1936. Issued as a very exclusive limited edition of just 70 prints to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Spitfire, each copy of Rhapsody in Blue is accompanied by a superb matching numbered companion print Mitchcll's Masterpiece.

 THE MEN WHO FLEW THE SPITFIRE
Adding great significance to this 70th Anniversary Edition, each print of Rhapsody in Blue is signed hy the artist Gerald Coulson, together with Alex Henshaw, leading Spitfire test pilot.

Chief Test Pilot ALEX HENSHAW
Vickers Chief Test Pilot on Spitfires during WWI1

The ARTIST PROOFS

The FOUR signature Artist Proofs are additionally signed hy three outstanding Battle of Britain fighter pilots, who helped immortalise the Supernmarine Spitfire.

Flight Lieutenant RICHARD L. JONES
64 and 19 Squadrons. Battle of Britain

Wing Commander JACK ROSE DFC
3 and 32 Squadrons. Battle of Britain

Wing Commander GEORGE W. SWANWICK
54 Squadron. Battle of Britain

Each print in both editions is issued with a matehing numbered companion print Mitchell's Masterpiece.

70 Anniversary Prints US$ 475

                             
MITCHELL'S MASTERPIECE
by Gerald Coulson
Matching-numbered Companion Print
Overall print size: 20" wide x 15 3/4" high

IMPORTANT!  Before you purchase, please visit our home page ('MilitaryArt Home' in the left column), for vital information, regarding methods of payment.

Here, you will find a growing number of mainly, limited edition prints, for your collections. These will have been painted, or drawn, by some of the finest military artists in the world today. 

If you are searching for a particular print, or subject, then please ask me and I shall do my best to track it/them down for you. Just send me a request signal. CLICK HERE.  

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Cheers,

Ray Cunningham
Sovereign Art Company, Inc.
Remember, to email me, CLICK HERE