Spitfire MH434 Goodwood fine art painting and limited edition A2 prints
’40 Winks’ is a Fine art painting with limited editon collectors prints of Spitfire MH434 at rest at Goodwood. After reading many pilots’ accounts of their experiences during WW2 I found them facinating, especially their bravery. Many of the stories are quite graphic but also humerous and you cannot get any better than ‘fly on the wall’ testemony. I attend the ‘Goodwood Revival’ most years and Goodwood has many historic links to the RAF being a WW2 airbase itself before becoming a motor racing circuit.
Originally known as RAF Westhampnett, it was from here that pilots were trained in Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires. The land was donated by Freddie March, the 9th Duke of Richmond, to support the war effort and was active from 1940 – 46 as a Battle of Britain station.
Spitfire low pass at Goodwood
Spitfire MH434 was at the Goodwood Revival. Goodwood is still a thriving Aerodrome. It’s open all year round, and has a rich variety of aircraft constantly coming and going. From World War II Spitfires, Hurricanes and Harvards to the more modern Cessnas.
Following the end of WW2, the airfield’s perimeter road was converted into a racing circuit which was opened in September 1948 by Freddie March. It is still in use but now known as the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit.
Today, there’s a thriving Flying School and general aviation business, continuing the passion and traditions initiated by the 9th Duke of Richmond. Goodwood Aerodrome is open to the public and is open all year round hosting several motor racing events such as Goodwood FOS, and the Goodwood Revival in September. It’s the perfect place to watch the air and circuit activity, or grab a bite in the Old Control Tower Café.
I wanted to paint a tribute to their braveness and created this montage. Spitfire MH434 still flies today and this was at the Goodwood Revival, the pilot is unknown and from an old B&W photo.
If you like 40 Winks, you may also like Scarlet Lady, Ray Hanna Spitfire Low Pass – Goodwood 1998 and Comrade Enver.
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About the artist
Martin Allen is a London based emerging artist. Martin came to oil painting through a circuitous route, having drawn for most of his life and being largely self-taught he was eventually re-introduced to oil painting as a preferred medium to create his varied and diverse work. The methods he uses to paint are classic ones, using layered paint applications rounded off by oil glazes. These create, add depth and harmonise colours. He has shown solo numerous times at Goodwood, The Affordable Art Fair and others, been a finalist at the ‘London art Biennale 2019’, alongside various commissions including work for the BP Shipping collection.
Martins’ work was also shown in the ‘Soho Scandalous’ exhibition at Blacks Club in London along with the The London Fashion Show with Runway-Gallery.
