Longest Summer by Anthony Saunders and Their Finest Hour Book

Description

THE 75th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN COMMEMORATIVE BOOK AND PRINT PORTFOLIO

Including a truly outstanding limited edition print by one of the world’s most collected aviation artists:

THEIR FINEST HOUR

There are few visual records of the dramatic encounters that took place during the summer of 1940 as Nazi Germany prepared to invade Britain. Published to commemorate the 75th Anniversary, this 128 page, full colour hard-back book, relives the historic events of the Battle of Britain through the eyes of some of the world’s leading aviation and military artists.

This beautifully illustrated collection of paintings and drawings – many of which have been specially commissioned for this book – have been carefully selected from the archives of the Military Gallery to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

ROBERT TAYLOR, acknowledged as the world’s premier aviation and maritime artist, leads the way. Also included is the work of ANTHONY SAUNDERS, GERALD COULSON and RICHARD TAYLOR.

Their Finest Hour leads us through the major events and other memorable stories that happened in that historic summer of 1940. These exceptional images help knit together this account of the Battle of Britain, creating a visually inspiring masterpiece.

128 page hard back case-bound book. Overall size approx: 9½ x 12 inches

LONGEST SUMMER
– Anthony Saunders –

Overall print size: 30½” wide x 23″ high

Harvesting is briefly interrupted as Mk.I Spitfires of 609 Squadron pass low overhead. The young pilots return to 10 Group Sector Station at Middle Wallop after successfully engaging Luftwaffe raiders attacking naval facilities on the south coast, August 1940.

This prestigious signed limited edition portfolio, specially issued to commemorate 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, includes an individually numbered limited first edition copy of the book Their Finest Hour, presented in its own luxury embossed slipcase.

THE LIMITED EDITION
Each book is accompanied by a matching-numbered copy of the limited edition print Longest Summer by Anthony Saunders. Every copy of this stirring and evocative print is signed by the artist along with a highly respected Battle of Britain Hurricane Pilot:

Wing Commander JOHN ‘TIM’ ELKINGTON
Hurricane Pilot with 1 Sqn / 1 victory

THE ARTIST PROOFS – sold out
Issued with a signed copy of the print Longest Summer, each book in this FIVE SIGNATURE edition includes a highly collectible library bookplate, personally signed by a further four Battle of Britain veterans:

Flt Lt TERRY CLARK DFM AE
WOp/AG on Blenheims – 219 Sqn / 6 victories
Wg Cdr TERENCE KANE
Spitfire Pilot -234 Sqn / 1 victory
Chief Tech JOE RODDIS
Ground Crew on Spitfires – 234 Sqn
Fg Off KEN WILKINSON
Spitfire Pilot -616 & 19 Sqns

THE 75th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
With all the components of the Artist Proofs each print is signed by a further five Aircrew who flew in combat during the Battle of Britain. This very special TEN SIGNATURE edition is a living historical account of one of the most crucial periods of British history and a very exclusive collector’s item:

Wg Cdr TOM NEIL DFC* AFC
Hurricane Pilot – 249 Sqn / 14 victories
Sqn Ldr TONY PICKERING AFC
Hurricane Pilot – 32 & 501 Sqns / 1 victory
Flt Lt ARCHIBALD McINNES
Hurricane Pilot – 601 & 238 Sqns
Flt Lt WILLIAM ‘BOB’ HUGHES DFC AFC – WOp/AG on Blenheims with 23 Sqn
Wg Cdr RICHARD ‘DICKIE’ SUMMERS OBE AFM Observer on Blenheims – 219 Sqn

THE 75th ANNIVERSARY REMARQUES
The 75th Anniversary Edition is further enhanced by the inclusion of two remarque editions, each containing an original pencil drawing, beautifully crafted to order by artist Anthony Saunders in the lower margin of the print Longest Summer. Each drawing is unique and will be themed to the Battle of Britain.

THE GICLEE STUDIO PROOFS
Using the very latest high-definition giclée technology Anthony Saunders’ fabulous painting Longest Summer is faithfully replicated on canvas as part of this exciting Portfolio. Issued pre-stretched (overseas orders are sent rolled and are not pre-stretched), each Giclée Studio Proof is numbered and signed by the artist and issued with an individually numbered limited first edition copy of the book Their Finest Hour, presented in its own luxury embossed slipcase. Each book includes a highly collectible library bookplate, personally signed by FIVE Battle of Britain veterans:

Wg Cdr JOHN ‘TIM’ ELKINGTON
Flt Lt TERRY CLARK DFM AE
Wg Cdr TERENCE KANE
Chief Tech JOE RODDIS
Fg Off KEN WILKINSON

OVERALL CANVAS SIZE: 20″ high x 30″ wide