still widely regarded as the world’s premier aviation artist
Robert’s work, more than any other artist, has helped popularise a genre which, at the start of his remarkable career, had little recognition in the world of fine art. His work remains the benchmark by which all others in this field set their standards. But he isn’t finished yet…
On leaving the Bath Art School it was not a case of looking for a career but for a job supplementing the family income. A role became available for a picture frame maker, so at least I was in the environment of art. The company also had a gallery where all different styles of work were on show, this gave me an outlet which, at the time, mainly consisted of views of Bath for visiting tourists.
Change came in 1977 when I teamed up with a successful local businessman, with the aim of publishing limited edition prints. After completing a number of animal subjects, plus some maritime pieces which I particularly enjoyed, it soon led to military and aviation themed pieces. These quickly became my main subject matter and the more I learned about the history and the men behind the aircraft, the more I knew this was the path I’d follow.
My early paintings were reproduced as prints and signed by famous Second World War aviators such as Douglas Bader, Johnnie Johnson, Adolf Galland and Bob Stanford Tuck. Spending time with these legendary men is something I’ll always cherish and what a marvellous way to spark my imagination hearing about all their experiences straight from the horse’s mouth! To this day, those and all the other conversations I’ve been lucky enough to have with aircrew across the world remain my main inspiration.
Alongside The Military Gallery is their sister company, Aces High Gallery in Wendover where Colin Hudson, Caroline Fowler and their team do a tremendous job presenting my work to collectors across the globe. And the framing here is second to none.
Today I still enjoy working closely with my exclusive publisher, The Military Gallery in the UK. Now run by Craig Smith and his very capable team, they always manage to come up with exciting new ideas for our industry. They continue to give me a wonderful career, especially knowing that they are helping one of our sons, Richard, in forging his own distinctive niche in the market.
I’ve been very fortunate to join Aces High on numerous occasions at their galleries in Wendover and at countless airshows, where I’ve not only been lucky to sit alongside veterans signing prints but have been surrounded by wonderfully framed examples of my artworks. What a treat!
I often reflect on what an incredible journey I’ve been on and hope that I can continue to excite collectors with new work that pays tribute to all the amazing veterans I’ve been so fortunate to meet over the years.
‘In years to come, when others not yet born look back to the events of World War II, the colourful works of art painted today will be regarded with the same authority now granted to artists of earlier generations. I suspect that it will be the paintings of Robert Taylor to which most will turn first.’
Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom, a retired senior RAF commander and highly decorated bomber pilot of World War II.
The Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor Vol IV p9 David & Charles 2000
‘Thank you, dear Robert, for giving us such profoundly moving impressions of the air war of some fifty years ago, and through them bringing together in friendship airmen who, erstwhile, were bitter foes. And again, all praise to you for contributing so much, through your work, to the relief of war victims. Hasten the day when war will be no more. When that day comes your paintings will stand as testimony to the skill and sacrifice of airmen at war, as they fought, paradoxically, for peace.’ Group Captain Peter Townsend, wartime Hurricane pilot and ace, who later became equerry to both King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. The Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor Vol II p7 David & Charles 1991
‘It is the hearts of the men that Robert shows, and we are all the better for it. I will hold Robert forever in the forefront of artistry. His talent reaches into our hearts and minds with an emotional impact equalled by very few. Ages from now scholars and laymen will look upon this past century of ours through his paintings and will know us well, for better or for worse, but certainly to their advantage in coping with whatever fate may have in store for them in that distant future.’
Brigadier General Robin Olds, highly decorated fighter pilot and a tripleace with victories in World War II and Vietnam.
The Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor Vol IV p7 David & Charles 2000
‘Few artists have succeeded in capturing so vividly the drama of air combat and the quiet bravery of some of the greatest names in aviation history’.
Wing Commander Roland ‘Bee’ Beamont, a leading Second World War flying ace and experimental test pilot. The Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor Vol III p7 David & Charles 1996
DEFENCE OF THE REALM signed by Peter Townsend
PHANTOM STRIKE signed by Robin Olds
‘I believe Robert Taylor’s work is extremely important. Through his artistry future generations, whom we hope need never again be called upon to defend freedom in the way we were, will gain a realistic impression of what it was like to fly in mortal combat the legendary fighter and bomber aircraft that competed for the skies during the greatest war ever fought. His beautifully detailed paintings will help keep alive this period in our history.’
Colonel Walter ‘Bud’ Mahurin, the only USAAF pilot to shoot down aircraft in both the European and Pacific Theatres during the Second World War.
‘He has been able to take a living memory and bring it to life with dramatic flourish, and allow all of us to share that (often heartstopping) moment of someone else’s life’.
‘Mr
quality’
NEVER IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN CONFLICT…
Including an original Winston Churchill autograph!
FIGHTER SUPPORT
Including a total of FIFTEEN Luftwaffe veteran signatures!
Taylor’s oil paintings and his drawings exude a lyrical and majestic
The Washington Post
The Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor Vol VI p6 David & Charles 2009
LOW HOLDING OVER THE SAN JACINTO signed by President George Bush
OPERATION CHASTISE signed by Dambuster veterans
The Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor Vol IV p19 David & Charles 2000
Multi-Academy award winning film director, producer and screenwriter Sir Peter Jackson
The Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor Vol VI p6 David & Charles 2009
Well on his way to becoming one of the highest-scoring Aces in history, Oberleutnant Otto ‘Bruno’ Kittel, flying an Fw190 A-6 with 3./JG54, downs a Soviet Yak 9 on 26 August 1944 to notch up his 200th victory.
Awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves – the Oak Leaves bestowed on him personally by Hitler on 5 May 1944 – Kittel spent his entire flying career with JG54 ‘Green Hearts’ on the Eastern Front.
To remember the most successful and highest-scoring fighter pilot killed in action during the war, Richard’s dramatic drawing has been framed to full conservation standards to include the rare autograph of the famous Ace depicted, along with highlydecorated pilots and Aces who flew Fw190s in combat during the war
NINE Signature Piece: £2,995 / $3,595
Walter Nowotny leading Me262s as they attack B-24 Liberators in October 1944.
Hurricanes of 238 Squadron safely return to base after another mission in early 1941.
Every fighter pilot relied on their ‘Erks’ – the squadron’s ground crew. Often overlooked and working long hours in difficult conditions, they were crucial to every squadron and were the unsung heroes of the RAF who kept their aircraft flying. Keith’s poignant piece serves as a stunning tribute to all the ground crew and aircrew who worked tirelessly with the RAF during the Second World War.
Framed Print: £525 / £735
Today Mk. IX Spitfire NH341 DB-E ‘Elizabeth’ forms the backbone of premier flight experiences with Aero Legends, but Anthony’s atmospheric piece transports her back to the Second World War. On her first operational sortie and carrying full D-Day markings, ‘Elizabeth’ and Spitfires from 411 (Grizzly Bear) Squadron RCAF help to escort a force of some 220 Lancasters on a raid to bomb the docks at Le Havre harbouring German E-boats, 14 June 1944.
Framed Print: £275 / £385
This early painting by Richard depicts Mk.I Spitfires of 610 Squadron flying a defensive patrol low over the White Cliffs during the height of the Battle of Britain in August 1940. An iconic scene that symbolises a crucial period in history. Thanks to the latest high-definition digital technology, this commemorative piece is available as a Giclée on canvas issued stretched ready to ship or slip into a frame of your choice!
Stretched Canvas: £295 / $355
Following the combat troops ashore on D-Day were specialist engineers tasked with the construction of temporary advanced landing airstrips which would allow Allied fighters to operate from France. One of them, B-4, was at Bény-sur-Mer, a village a few miles inland from Juno Beach that had been liberated by the Canadians on D-Day. The airstrip was opened on 15 June and, fittingly, one of the first squadrons to take up residence was 401 Squadron RCAF, the unit chosen by Anthony to take centre stage in his evocative piece.
Framed Print: £295 / £415
ASSAULT ON THE HINDENBURG LINE
The Battle of Cambrai wasn’t the first time the tank had been seen in action; these newly-invented British weapons had been used in small groups ever since their introduction during the Battle of the Somme a year earlier. In that time, lessons had been learned and significant developments heralded the introduction of the ‘Mark IV’, a much improved and deadlier machine that was soon rolling out of factories across Britain to be transported by rail in secret to the front line.
At daybreak on Tuesday 20 November all was revealed. For the first time in history large numbers of tanks were to be used en-masse and also for the first time, tanks, infantry, artillery, cavalry and aircraft would be fighting alongside one another in a fully integrated battle plan. Their target was to capture a 40 kilometre section of the St Quentin canal that formed part of the German Hindenburg Line near Cambrai.
Few images could capture the sense of occasion that morning than Keith’s haunting new painting. With this graphic depiction of the desolation found on the mud-soaked battlefield of Cambrai, he superbly portrays
Keith’s original acrylic painting, completed on archival mount board, measures an impressive 24” wide x 11” high and is available for immediate viewing or worldwide delivery.
Framed original painting: £3,995 / $4,795
Keith’s publisher has confirmed there will be a print edition later in the year. However, the edition will be strictly limited so contact us TODAY to reserve yours!
Housing the Allies’ most determined prisoners of war, the foreboding Colditz Castle with its thick walls, sophisticated defences, barred windows and hidden microphones was meant to be escape proof. The fortress had a thousand-year history designed to keep people out, but during the Second World War the Germans had repurposed it as Oflag IVC, the prison camp intended to keep people in, for only the most hardened, serial escapers and the highest security risk prisoners were sent there.
However, despite a reputation for detail and precision planning, the Germans had overlooked something; within the castle’s mighty walls they’d assembled the best ‘escaping brains’ in the business. If anyone could escape from the fortress prison, those now held were best placed to try. And they did.
Some used guile and impersonation, others tunnelled, some found their way through obscure cavities or used sheets as makeshift ropes to descend the unforgiving walls. Some hid under manhole covers, feigned illness or simply ‘slipped away’ from the exercise yard. A glider was built in the attic though too late to be used. Most attempts ultimately failed but over 30 men did break out of Colditz and 15 of them are known to have made successful ‘home runs’. Keith’s memorable painting has been faithfully reproduced as a Limited Edition print to immortalize the story of Colditz, the men held within its walls and its status as a unique place in the history of World War Two.
F-4 Phantoms of VF-111, ‘The Sundowners’, launch from USS Coral Sea in the Gulf of Tonkin in a successful attempt to intercept North Vietnamese MiGs returning to Quang Lang airfield, 6 March 1972.
The lead Phantom depicted is NL201, call sign ‘Old Nick Two Zero One’, flown on this mission by experienced pilot Lt Garry L. Weigand and his back-seater, Radar Intercept Officer Ltjg. William C. ‘Bill’ Freckleton. They were part of a two-ship team tasked to intercept MiGs that had just clashed with Phantoms of VF-51 on a strike force escorting a photoreconnaissance RA-5C Vigilante over Quang Lang airfield. They found a
Framed Collector’s Piece
MiG-17, and in a ‘nasty turning fight with the scrappy little plane’, Weigand manage to roll in on the MiG from the rear and in a dramatic victory, downed it with a Sidewinder.
Limited Edition prints from £75 / $105
Here’s Bill Freckleton with his framed copy!
We’re delighted to showcase this special framed piece which has been signed for posterity by the two veterans directly involved – GARRY WEIGAND and BILL FRECKLETON – plus a photo of them both taken soon after their return that day!
Framed Collector’s Piece: £295 / $415
Colonel Robin Olds and his flight of eight F-4 Phantoms from the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing encounter a large group of North Vietnamese MiG-17s over the hills north of Hai Phong, 20 May 1967. During the clash that followed Olds and his WSO 1st Lt. Stephen B. Croker destroyed two MiG-17s.
By the time Robin Olds relinquished his command later that year, his 8th TFW, nicknamed the ‘Wolfpack’, had become the USAF’s top MiGkilling Wing in south-east Asia. He’d flown 152 combat missions during this time, scoring another four air victories to add to his World War 2 tally – now a ‘triple ace’ his final score was an impressive 17 victories.
Limited Edition prints from £75 / $105
Adding great authenticity, this unique collector’s piece has been exclusively signed by Sergeant BILL WALLACE who served as an F-4 Crew Chief with Robin Olds and the 433rd TFS at Ubon. If that wasn’t already special enough, we’ve also included an original ROBIN OLDS signature in the mount, plus a photo of them both in Ubon!
Framed Collector’s Piece: £295 / $415
“I just received a print of MIG Encounter by Anthony Saunders. You can’t imagine my excitement in seeing this… I was the back-seat pilot of Phantom #63-7669 (the top Phantom in the painting). I was flying on Robin Olds’ wing protecting his tail that day...”
Colonel JOESEPH MILLIGAN
Everyday our expert in-house team complete a range of bespoke frames which are all made to order. These vary from pieces of stock hanging at one of our galleries, through to specific requests from collectors to help preserve their investment or important parts of their heritage.
We’ll only ever use acid free materials including mount board, corners and barrier board, plus as standard we insert UV protective glass.
Some of our framing team
HEADING OFF OMAHA
by Keith BurnsRecently landed M3A1 halftracks from the US 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, US Third Armored Division, climb away from Omaha Beach shortly after the D-Day landings. They will soon be heavily involved in the tough fighting to clear German forces from the hedgerows of Normandy.
Keith’s powerful piece continues to prove extremely popular and to make this copy completely unique it has been framed to conservation standards to include a sample of sand recovered from Omaha beach.
by
Douggie Shaun Sue Robin
£275 / $385
MOSQUITOS AT DUSK
Gerald Coulson
In his instantly recognisable style, Gerald beautifully captures the dark shadows of dusk settling over the airfield as Mosquito crews make their final preparations for the night’s operation.
As a lasting tribute to the heroic airmen who flew the versatile ‘Wooden Wonder’ during the war, this moving piece has been personally signed by two distinguished Mosquito veterans.
It’s no surprise that John’s memorable piece is so highly-prized on the Secondary Market. On 12 May 1944 Major Günther Rall, commanding Me109s from JG11, attacks a group of American P-47 Thunderbolts whilst carrying out defence operations – little did he know they were one of the most renowned fighter groups in the entire U.S. Air Force – Hub Zemke’s 56th FG, the famous ‘Wolfpack’.
Many years later, Günther Rall became close friends with Hub Zemke and other members of the ‘Wolfpack’, recounting their fateful meeting on several occasions. This unique TEN signature piece includes Günther’s signature and a further nine autographs of ‘Wolfpack’ veterans.
Anthony’s beautiful piece transports us to the morning of 12 August 1940 during what was a busy period for the airmen of RAF Fighter Command. With the harvest well under way below, Spitfires of 610 Squadron return to base to re-fuel and re-arm after a tense encounter with Luftwaffe fighters.
With a total of SEVEN original signatures of veterans who flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain, also included in the mount is a museum-quality reproduction RAF sweetheart brevet.
Robert’s iconic piece depicts a damaged Lancaster, down on power and handling badly, having slipped behind the main formation on their long flight home. Below are the green fields of England and with just a few more miles to run, the brave crew have somehow pulled together to get their ship home.
Published back in 1987 we rarely see copies in such good condition and no wonder it’s so highly sought-after given the legendary line up of signatures including two recipients of the Victoria Cross. Making this piece even more special, we’ve included an additional ten original autographs in the matting to create a unique FOURTEEN signature piece!
£1,295 / $1,795
Two P-40 Tomahawks of the 2nd pursuit squadron, the ‘Panda Bears’, pull out of their diving attack just above the treetops of the Burmese jungle. One bomber hits the water, as two more P-40s bear down on another Nakajima bomber. In the distance the air is busy with low-level combat.
Originally published in 1991 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Flying Tigers’ first aerial combats, we haven’t had a copy for quite some time and we’re sure it won’t be around for long. Adding great historical significance, the edition was signed on release by no less than SEVEN famous AVG pilots and Aces.
£695 / $895
£795 / $995Anthony has fittingly chosen to depict one of the oldest fighter units in the Luftwaffe, JG53, to represent all those who flew Messerschmitt Bf109s in combat during WWII. As they undertake a defensive patrol, the battle- weary pilots are seen racing through the snow-covered Alps in January 1944.
With the print carrying the original signatures of two highly-regarded Luftwaffe Aces, our expert framing team have included a further seven autographs of pilots and Aces within the mount, creating a stunning NINE signature piece!
£595 / $795
On 24th September 1988 a lovingly restored Lancaster took to the air in Canada, painted in the markings of famous VC recipient Andrew Mynarksi. To commemorate this special event, Robert was commissioned to paint Mynarski’s Lancaster making its final approach to RAF Colerne early on the morning of 6 June 1944.
This amazing nine signature tribute has been autographed by three famous recipients of the Victoria Cross along with six members of Mynarski’s crew.
£1,295 / $1,795
In one of the most compelling Dambuster images of recent years, Anthony depicts Guy Gibson in formation with ‘Mick’ Martin on his port side and ‘Hoppy’ Hopgood to starboard, as they head towards the Dutch coast en-route to the Möhne and Eder Dams on the night of 16/17 May 1943.
Personally signed by FOUR veterans directly involved in the raid, this atmospheric piece is conservation framed to include an ORIGINAL fragment of aluminium fuselage recovered from ‘Hoppy’ Hopgood’s Lancaster AJ-M, which was shot down on the night of the raid.
£595 / $795
Robert sets the scene on Sunday 17 September 1944, the first day of Operation Market Garden, as C-47 Dakotas of the 439th Troop Carrier Group drop thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions into Holland, a hundred and fifty miles behind enemy lines. This daring operation, the largest airborne assault of World War II, aimed to capture and secure vital bridges in the Allies’ push towards the Rhine.
This EIGHT signature piece also includes a 101st Screaming Eagle patch, US Airborne jump wings and, if this wasn’t already special enough, our expert framing team have included an original fragment of wartime parachute used by U.S. Airborne Divisions on their jumps into Europe!
£595 / $795
We’re trying to make small changes across our businesses that have started to make a big difference. These include:
l moving from plastic-ended shipping tubes to fully-recycled cardboard alternatives
l partnering with a carbon-neutral printer for our larger editions
l running on FSC approved paper stock when possible
l phasing out plastic-based tapes in favour of paper-based alternatives
We’re constantly striving for further changes and as a sign of our commitment we’ve also enrolled in the National Trust ‘Plant a Tree’ campaign dedicated to creating beautiful green spaces for future generations to enjoy. Through this scheme we’ve already been responsible for 250 new trees to be planted which equates to over 2000 square metres of new woodland.
If you have ideas on how we can continue to make a difference then please let us know.
Cover images:
Front – RETURN OF THE BELLE by Robert Taylor
Back – VITAL FORCE by Richard Taylor
By the nature of what we do we use a lot of paper for prints, wood for our frames and energy for maintaining everything at the right temperature.