A Silver Queen Airship By Norman Wilkinson
A Silver Queen Airship By Norman Wilkinson
A watercolour and gouache on board painting of a non-rigid Airship likely shown at the Capel-le Ferne airship station, between Dover and Folkestone. The Silver Queen T.Z. airship is shown above the coastal air station, with 2 sheds below and a barrage balloon.
The RNAS increased its use of airships in response to Germany's strategy of submarine warfare. They were mainly used for spotting but also carried bombs for the two-man crew to drop. In 1914 the Royal Naval Air Service had 6 airships but by 1918 the number had increased to 103.
The label to the back of the board notes '.S., Airship TZ. 1917, R.N.A.S. Dover, 44A Silver Queen TZ' with 'RNAS /C/17.' to the bottom corner. Locating key notes with arrows for Dover, Folkestone and RNAS Camp are inscribed directly to the back of the board along with Capel, 17, Red 8, Aubrey Cliff Lights and M.T. Section.
The gondola suspended below the hydrogen filled airship is painted blue and the rigging has a white ensign flag. A RNAS roundel and blue, white and red flashing also adorn the airship.
Norman Wilkinson has signed the illustration towards the bottom right of the picture. Although quickly painted, this Wilkinson painting has good detail to the background, showing the two sheds, a light, barrage balloon and the airship's shadow. There is a border of shadow marks probably made by a previous mount. Dated to the back 1917.
Dimensions:
1917
Watercolour & Gouache on Board
England
Norman Wilkinson, .S., Airship TZ. 1917, R.N.A.S. Dover, 44A Silver Queen TZ' with 'RNAS /C/17
Airship Painting
Unframed. Some uneven edges and shadow marks suggesting it's previously been framed.
RELATED ITEMS
