Sir Adam Thomson, 1926 - 2000. Founder and chairman of British Caledonian Airways
About this artwork
A former pilot and flying instructor, Adam Thomson founded Caledonian Airways in 1961. British Caledonian Airways, with its tartan-clad cabin crew, was the largest independent UK airline until it was taken over by its arch-rival, British Airways, in 1988. This portrait was painted in Hangar 3 of Gatwick Airport, the focus of British Caledonian's operations. Perched on a beam below the roof is the small figure of artist John Wonnacott, enjoying a bird's eye view of this busy scene.
Updated before 2020
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artist:John Wonnacott (born 1940) English
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title:Sir Adam Thomson, 1926 - 2000. Founder and chairman of British Caledonian Airways
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date created:1986
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materials:Oil on board
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measurements:243.90 x 243.90 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Commissioned 1986
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accession number:PG 2697
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gallery:
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depicted:
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subject:
John Wonnacott
John Wonnacott
Wonnacott was born in London and trained at the Slade School from 1958 to 63 where he was taught by Frank Auerbach and Michael Andrews. He emerged as an ambitious representative of the figurative tradition, painting landscapes as well as portraits. His work has been described as 'heroic' in...