Long night ahead

£95.00£625.00

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One of the fastest, most versatile piston- engine aircraft of war, the de Havilland Mosquito was, from the outset, designed as an aircraft that relied on speed rather than guns for defence. Even more remarkable, most of its fuselage and wings were constructed of balsa and lightweight ply leading to the affectionate nickname of the ‘Wooden Wonder’. Fast, highly manoeuvrable and able to roam over enemy-occupied territory almost at will, Mosquitos excelled in pathfinder operations and delivering low-level precision strikes such as Operation Jericho, the daring low-level attack to breach the walls of Amiens prison to release Resistance fighters carried out in February 1944.

One of the fastest, most versatile piston- engine aircraft of war, the de Havilland Mosquito was, from the outset, designed as an aircraft that relied on speed rather than guns for defence. Even more remarkable, most of its fuselage and wings were constructed of balsa and lightweight ply leading to the affectionate nickname of the ‘Wooden Wonder’. Fast, highly manoeuvrable and able to roam over enemy-occupied territory almost at will, Mosquitos excelled in pathfinder operations and delivering low-level precision strikes such as Operation Jericho, the daring low-level attack to breach the walls of Amiens prison to release Resistance fighters carried out in February 1944.

The raid typified the skill, courage and determination of the Mosquito crews who harried the Nazis across the Reich and occupied territories. Whether it be Berlin, Oslo or Copenhagen nowhere was safe from the attentions of Mosquito crews.

To remember this extraordinary warplane and in tribute to the men who flew Mosquitos in World War II, Richard Taylor has created his moving painting, Long Night Ahead. Featuring Mosquito FB.VIs from 169 Squadron based at Great Massingham, Richard depicts them as they fly low over a poppy-strewn meadow in the lee of Ely Cathedral as they head towards a south coast airfield in preparation for a night-fighter intruder operation shortly after D-Day in the summer of 1944.

Overall print size: 11¼

Faithfully reproduced as a fine art limited edition print using the highest quality fade-resistant inks, this emotive tribute has been authenticated by one of the last surviving aircrew to fly the ‘Mossie’ in the skies over Europe, creating a fitting tribute to be cherished for future generations.

The Signatures

Along with the artist Richard Taylor, every print has been personally signed by a highly regarded Mosquito Navigator who flew many critical combat missions during World War II:

Flight Lieutenant DES CURTIS DFC – 618 & 248 Squadrons

The Remarques

For those collectors who want to create a truly unique piece, your print will be returned to Richard’s studio where he’ll hand-craft an original drawing in the lower margin. If you have any particular requests, please ask when placing your order and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

The Double Remarques

Specifically created for the serious collector, each print is returned to Richard’s studio and enhanced with a double-size pencil drawing, creating an impressive bespoke piece of art.

Artist

Richard Taylor

Editions

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Subject

Mosquito

Theme

WW2