A rare limited edition by Robert Taylor, the last release in his Masterworks Series, paying tribute to the crews that flew the B-17 Fortresses in Europe between 1942 and 1945. The print is signed by four legendary B-17 pilots.

The heroics of the USAAF bomber crews during World War Two are legend. Never before had such an awesome aerial armada been assembled. There where few sights more stirring than a B-17 Fortress on its final approach returning from a combat mission. Aboard, the crew were exhausted, sometimes injured, but after perhaps eight hours of hazardous flying there was always a feeling of exhalation as the patchwork fields of England appeared beneath them.

Robert Taylor recreates those exhilarating moments as a B-17 crew bring their mighty aircraft home. The co-pilot, clearly visible, assists his captain with the landing - the aircraft has taken some damage from fighters and is a handful on the approach. With wheels and flaps down, engines throttle back, the skipper eases the big machine gently down the glide path towards touchdown, amidst the peaceful countryside of East Anglia. A pair of pheasant scuttle into the air as the roar from the engines reaches a crescendo. Even through familiar with the activity of the adjoining airfield, local farming folk stop to admire the great warbirds coming safely home. In a few moments the last crew will be safely down as Robert Taylor’s wonderful English winter landscape welcomes home another American crew.

A superb aviation painting that blends perfectly the contrasting mood of wartime England painted with great finesse by the master of aviation art. 

Robert Taylor's Limited Edition, Winter's Welcome, is signed by the following distinguished B-17 aircrew:

Captain Alvin Brown
General Robert Burns
Colonel William Lawley
Colonel Harry Mumford

We are selling this print on behalf on one of our collectors.

Condition: this print has two mild indentations running along the top white border, one about 4 inches long, the other about 3 inches. There are also a few minor indentations along the edge of the bottom white border. It is otherwise in mint condition having been stored flat and dark since being purchased from ourselves when published in 1993. It is supplied with the original Certificate of Authenticity.

The faults would be difficult to show properly in a photograph - however the print is covered by our 'No Quibble Guarantee' so if its not as you expected you can return it for a full refund.

Normal price for a perfect example of this print would be around £450-500