The Shuttleworth Collection’s 4th July flying day at Old Warden enjoyed sunny weather but with slightly windy conditions making it tricky for pilots of the lighter aircraft. No problems, of course, for the B17 Flying Fortress, "Sally B", which made a majestic appearance.
For my wife, Val, and me, it was a busy day and long before the flying was due to start, the ‘punters’ were visiting our stand and sales of my book, "Brushes with Aviation" and our associated greetings cards were brisk. Once again, it was my original painting "Those magnificent men (and woman) in their flying machines" that attracted most attention. The greetings card of the painting has been the most successful of all and will have to be reprinted before the August meeting.Better than that, not long before the close, after he finished flying as one of the visiting Waco biplane duo, Andy McLuskie came specially to our stand and bought the original painting. Well known in the aviation restoration business and also as a contributor to "Pilot" magazine, Andy welcomed us to his home the next day and showed us the fascinating rebuilds he is currently undertaking. "Magnificent men ... " was a painting I really enjoyed doing and Andy left us both feeling he is just the sort of guy who will really enjoy owning it. Thanks Andy, for an interesting morning.
