Artist's tribute to RAF Centenary displayed at Arboretum
British artist David Bent - who has a long history producing aviation art, particularly focusing on RAF subjects such as the Red Arrows - has created a Tribute 100 collection as his own personal tribute to RAF100, the centenary of the formation of the Royal Air Force, which is currently on display at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Tribute 100 consists of a range of bold and colourful aircraft and propeller shapes in a graphical pop art style that invokes the spirit of the first 100 years of the RAF. The RAF was formed towards the end of the First World War, on 1 April, 1918, and is the oldest independent air force in the world.
The free exhibition is on display at the National Memorial Arboretum, the UK’s centre of remembrance until the end of June 2018.
The artist’s pioneering approach to aviation art has attracted widespread support, including many members of the force and the wider aviation community.
He has used a variety of aircraft and propeller shapes representing 100 years of existence, attempting to evoke ‘the spirit of that propulsive force that moves them forever forward, turning theory into evermore fantastical reality’. He said: “The Royal Air Force’s attitude has always been progressive and cutting edge, out there. For me, their motto Per Ardua ad Astra
– from adversity to the stars – sums them up perfectly.
“From the earliest days, a century of hard work, imagination, skill and courage has taken the air force to the extremes of modernity and 3D space. This has provided the inspiration for my new collection of work."
The Arboretum has a wide range of RAF 100 events and activities taking place between April and July.