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

Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

John Wonnacott

John Wonnacott