Meteors over Castle Howard

The 'Meatbox', as it affectionately became known, formed the backbone of RAF Fighter Command during the heyday of the 1950s, equipping regular and auxiliary RAF squadrons in the day-figher, reconnaissance and night-fighter roles. The Meteor F8 day-fighter and NF14 night-fighters featured in Michael Rondot's spectacular new painting represent the ultimate versions of this classic jet fighter which served on front-line squadrons until the late 1950s. In his superbly detailed close-up portrayal, Meteors of Number 72 Squadron are seen in formation over the magnificent Yorkshire panorama of Castle Howard country house, which was the setting for the television filming of Brideshead Revisited. In the background, looking over the vale of Pickering to the North Yorkshire Moors, dark stormclouds form a striking backdrop to this wonderful aviation painting.

There are only 350 prints in the edition, each signed by two distinguished Meteor pilots, making this a superb addition for collectors of Michael Rondot's inimitable classic aviation art.

Limited Edition*

• 300 signed and numbered by the Artist
• 50 Artist's Proofs

*Also available with additional Remarque by the Artist on the print border.

The Signatories

Wing Commander IAN HAWKINS
Ian Hawkins began his flying career in 1943 and still flies regularly in 1995 as an instructor and CAA examiner. He trained in Canada for B-24s and B-26s before joining 575 Squadron flying Dakotas in Italy. He flew Venom NF2s with 253 Squadron at RAF Waterbeach and later flew Meteor NF12 and NF14 night fighters as a flight commander with No 72 Squadron whilst based at RAF Church Fenton.

Air Marshal SIR JOHN NICHOLLS KCB CBE DFC AFC
In a distinguished career that any fighter pilot would envy, John Nicholls has flown fighters from the Spitfire XIV and XVIII to the Phantom. Between Meteor tours in the 1950s, he saw action in the Korean War with the 335th FIS, USAF. Flying the F-86 Sabre he achieved 2 kills and 3 damaged against Russian-built MiG-15s. He flew most of the classic jet fighters of the era, including F-lOOs and F-104s with the USAF, and Meteors, Hunters, Lightnings and Phantoms with the RAF before retiring from the Service in 1980.