‘Mitchell’s memory’

A vital cog in the build-up of the R.A.F. in the second half of the 1930s was the Supermarine Spitfire, the brainchild of the talented designer RJ Mitchell. The prototype Spitfire, K5054, first flew at Eastleigh on 11th May 1936. A few days after that first flight, having been given a coat of high-gloss blue/grey paint, it was to be photographed air-to-air for the very first time by John Yoxhall from ‘Flight’ magazine.

‘Mutt ‘Summers, Chief Test Pilot of  Supermarine’s parent company, Vickers, was to fly the Spitfire and Jeffrey Quill, later Chief Test Pilot at Supermarine, was to fly the photographer in Vickers’ communications aircraft, a Miles Falcon. At the last minute, Mitchell decided that he would also fly in the Falcon. It is believed to be the only time he saw his magnificent creation air-to-air in the element it was to grace with such distinction in the years to come. Already seriously ill with cancer, Mitchell died just a year later.

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Painted in oils on canvas. 2006. 410mm x 510mm.