AT THE DAY'S END

by Robert Taylor

Editions Edition Size US($) QTY
Limited edition 50 $135.00
Anniversary edition 100 $210.00
Anniversary artist proofs 15 $275.00
Collectors edition 35 $485.00
Remarques 15 Limited Availability Contact Us
Double remarques 10 Limited Availability Contact Us
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September 1940; and the fate of the free world hung in the balance. A year had passed since Hitler had ordered his armies to crush Poland, which they did in a matter of weeks. And, for a while, Europe had held its breath, waiting for the next move.

It came on 9 April 1940 when German forces trampled through Denmark and seized Norway. Four weeks later, they turned their attentions south. On Friday 10 May, Hitler’s panzers rolled across the Dutch border heading for France. Overwhelmed by the onslaught Luxembourg and the Netherlands surrendered, followed by Belgium whilst an out-gunned and out-manoeuvred British Expeditionary Force retreated to the beaches of Dunkirk and a humiliating evacuation. On 25 June France, too, capitulated.

Britain stood alone, ripe for invasion.

But before the Führer could sweep through Admiralty Arch on his way to Buckingham Palace, his army must cross 22 miles of water – the English Channel. It sounded little enough, men had swum it, but to cross it the Germans must take control of the sky – hardly a problem for the Luftwaffe, Goering told Hitler; after all, his air force was the most powerful on earth. Or so he thought.

For what Goering had overlooked was the tenacity of a few thousand brave young men to thwart his plans – the pilots of RAF Fighter Command. Mostly British, they also included volunteers from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and countries across the British Empire. They were joined by pilots who had escaped from the newly-occupied countries in Europe, and a handful of Americans brave enough to defy the laws of their country to fight for an ally.

The battle that followed was long and bitter, as important as any fought in a thousand years of British history, but after three months of fighting the once-mighty Luftwaffe had been held at bay and defeated - because now there could be no invasion. The Battle of Britain wasn’t ‘the end of the beginning’, as Churchill would later describe victory at El Alamein, but it did mark the beginning of hope. And with hope came resilience and a steadfast resolve that would, in the end, lead to victory.

Working with a combination of graphite and coloured paints on ‘buff’ coloured paper to create a unique sepia effect , Robert Taylor’s outstanding Masterwork brings to life a moment during September 1940 at the height of the Battle of Britain. With an intuition unsurpassed by his peers, the world’s foremost aviation artist depicts a group of battle-weary Spitfire pilots from 92 Squadron after a long day’s fighting. Exhausted, they wait whilst ground crews hastily re-fuel and re-arm their aircraft at Biggin Hill ready for the next combat. No one knows when the alarm will sound but, when it does, they will, as always, be ready. 

The Signatures

Many of the veterans that fought during this crucial period have sadly passed away since creating this edition, so we are proud that several of ‘The Few’ had previously signed the prints. It is of great historical importance that during the centenary year of the RAF such famous veterans have authenticated what is likely to be remembered as a classic by the world’s leading aviation artist.

The Limited Edition

Joining artist Robert Taylor, every print has been personally autographed by two highly regarded RAF veterans who flew in combat during the Battle of Britain:

  • Wing Commander John 'Tim' Elkington
  • Flight Lieutenant William Robert 'Bob' Hughes DFC AE

The Anniversary Edition & Artist Proofs

To help commemorate the centenary of the RAF, each print in these memorable FIVE signature editions is additionally signed by three prominent veterans who served during the Battle of Britain:

  • Flight Lieutenant Archie McInnes
  • Section Officer Joan Fanshawe
  • Leading Aircraftsman John Loosemore

The Matted Collector's Edition

Each print in these TEN signature editions is personally signed by a further two iconic Battle of Britain fighter Aces and conservation matted to include an original piece of WWII Hurricane and the original autographs of three further Battle of Britain Aircrew:

  • Wing Commander Paul Farnes DFM
  • Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC* AFC AE

The matted signatures:

  • Group Captain Arthur Montagu-Smith
  • Group Captain Billy Drake DSO DFC*
  • Flight Lieutenant Eric Parkin

Overall matted size: Approx 34¾ x 18¼


The Matted Remarque Editions

For those collectors who want something more, these two very exclusive editions will include an original pencil drawing by Robert Taylor hand-crafted to order in the lower margin of the print. Limited to fifteen copies worldwide plus just ten DOUBLE remarques – with a larger and even more elaborate drawing – collectors have the opportunity to acquire a highly sought after original work by the world’s most collected aviation artist. Each remarqued copy is then individually conservation matted with all components of the Collector’s Edition.

Media:
Lithograph
Size:
31.5 x 12.5 inches
Release Date:
9/2018

Editions that feature original and unique artwork, such as Remarque, Tribute and matted editions, are specifically hand-crafted to order. As a result, our normal delivery policies do not apply to these items but we’ll be sure to update you as soon as your drawing is complete. If you have any particular request for your remarque drawing – such as specific aircraft markings – please ask when placing your order and we will do our best to accommodate.

Framing Service available on this item

Interested in having this item framed? Our expert team are on hand to review your bespoke requirements. Simply tick the framing box at the checkout and we’ll contact you to discuss the best framing choices for your piece plus delivery options. For further information about our framing service click here.