10 Onwards and upwards
Glad confident morning (2009)
Here, G-BOAA is shown in the first Concorde livery. I wanted to catch the spirit of freshness and optimism as Alpha Alpha launches herself into a clear sky, in the “glad confident morning” at the start of Concorde services in 1976.
The flagship (2009)
For several years, I have worked for SCG at air shows, to help keep Concorde’s name alive. One thing I have heard, especially from old Concorde hands, is that the Landor livery was their favourite colour scheme for the British fleet. As a mark of respect to them, I have painted the “flagship of flagships”, G-BOAC, about to turn onto the runway and lift off from rainy London for another burst of speed and adventure.
Blue heaven (2009)
While flying to Toulouse for the French event to mark the 40th anniversary of the first flight, I looked up into the deep blue sky, and wished I could have seen Concorde soaring above us. This picture shows my ultimate dream – that, one day, a Concorde would return to where she belongs, perfectly poised above the curvature of the earth.
Highlights
My Concorde/UN painting, Un Souvenir de l’Avenir, went on show in London at the Guild of Aviation Artists 2010 exhibition, at the Mall Galleries, from 19–25 July. It was SOLD!
My Concorde/Landor painting, The Flagship, went on display in Bristol, at the BAC 100 exhibition, which was held during 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of aviation in Bristol. An exhibition of BAC-related work by members of the Guild of Aviation Artists was held in the Whittle Hall at the Rolls-Royce Patchway plant, on 3 July 2010.
The Guild works were due to move to Bristol’s City Museum and Art Gallery, but unfortunately this exhibition was cancelled. However, The Flagship was selected to hang in the Guild exhibition at the Flight Safety International simulator centre, at Farnborough, where it remained from 2010 to 2016.
My painting of Alpha Alpha, Glad Confident Morning, was displayed at the Guild of Aviation Artists 2012 exhibition. It remained unsold but can still be seen on the GAvA site.
I have more ideas and paintings in the pipeline – I haven’t finished with the big white bird, not by a long way. And I have also branched out to paint other aircraft – you can find some examples of these on my Gallery pages. In addition, please feel free to visit my Posts to see what I am working on now!
Dear Katie,if I may
I have just read through your Concored gallery and I'm regreting what I told you the other day about B.W. thoughts on Concored!! you really are in love with her, and rightly so, and I hope she does fly again, but having followed the Vulcan at Doncaster airport I think it a very big job and only the likesof R.Branson could do it. But if we haden't people like you we would have very little in the way of what the past was all about.P.S Hope the spelling is ok, the spell check's not on!! Had a few emails from the trustees and they seem to be keen, will keep you informed. Regards Gerry
Dear Gerry
Many thanks for your message. I do love Concorde – and at the same time I can see that this amazing aircraft is just one part of a much bigger picture that has still not been properly told, about the technological excellence shown by British engineers and designers in the decades since the war. I would be proud and happy if my idea about Barnes Wallis could play a small part in helping to tell this story.
Many years ago when I was employed by the old Bristol Aeroplane Company I moved from the 1-11 shop to the old Brabazon hanger in the very early part of 1960. At that time if memory serves me right I was one of around six fitters starting on the “Concorde” all that was in the hanger at that time were bits and pieces of new jigs. It was all very challenging and new. I think that I could write a book of all the daily events building Concorde from that time on. Especially the day that Concorde 002 took off. I do not think that any of us thought it would take off on that day, it was supposed to be a fast taxi run up the runway. That was a surprise for almost everyone.
I was very lucky to be part of the Concorde ground crew, and that long period of time has stayed fresh in my memory to date. Witnessing countless take offs and landings and working with a great bunch of work-friends. Many of whom has passed on, and some that to this day stay in touch. Even now at 78 years I miss the work on the Great Bird and my old friends. Let us all look forward to the day when she will take to the skies again, and we can all look up and say with pride THAT’S THE ‘CONCORDE’
Dear Roy – many thanks for your message (sorry for my long delay in replying) and for your reminiscences about your work at Filton. I am fascinated to see that you were involved with the project right from the very start.
In addition to this site, I publish a free on-line magazine about Concorde called Mach 2 (http://mach-2-magazine.co.uk), which features technical and historical articles about Concorde. I would be delighted for you to contribute some of your reminiscences if you would like to do that.
Best wishes – Katie