Airport picture on sale to raise cash for show in memory of tragic boss
Flying through the air in classic formation, this dramatic picture of the Red Arrows makes a fitting tribute to a man who was devoted to aviation.
The planes are seen flying over Mid Wales Airport in Welshpool and the home of Bob Jones, who founded the site in 1990 on land near his farm, and who later set up the Welshpool Air Show.
Bob was tragically killed in a plane crash in 2012, and the air show was later renamed in his honour. It has grown into one of the biggest small air shows in the region, featuring the likes of the Spitfire, the Hurricane and the Vulcan, despite being held on the same day as the Cosford Air Show.
Last year's event attracted around 8,000 visitors.
Mr Jones's son, David, commissioned Oswestry-based artist David Walker to create this image of the airport and Mr Jones's home. Prints have gone on sale, and Mr Walker is donating some of the proceeds to this year's show, which takes place in June.
"I have been there for the past four years and always enjoyed it," he said. "It has a nice atmosphere and I just thought it would be nice to do something to support the event."
Mr Walker added: "It was after last year's event that a visitor called in to see my work and it turned out to be Bob Jones's son who then commissioned a painting of the airfield and airport."
Mr Walker was given a number of images to work with, and he combined them into the finished oil painting.
It took Mr Walker around 70 hours to create the artwork, working over a number of weeks.
He is selling prints for £35 and canvas prints for £55, and instead of producing a limited edition run, he is printing to order using the latest digital technology.
He also hopes the image could be used on Christmas cards and other printed stationary.
For more information visit: www.david-walker.org.uk
Bob Jones died aged 60 in a plane crash on nearby Long Mountain along with Steven Carr, 55, from Ruthin, Denbighshire, in January 2012.
