ABOUT THE GUILD

Discover the past, present and future of the Guild of Aviation Artists

About the Guild of Aviation Artists

The Guild of Aviation Artists held its first exhibition at the Royal Aeronautical Society in 1971. Its founding President was the late Frank Wootton and during his long tenure the Guild benefited greatly from his professional standing and his inexhaustible assistance to members. He was succeeded by the current President and first Fellow of the Guild, Michael Turner. The Guild has been fortunate to have attracted many notable artists during its long history including Roy Cross, Terence Cuneo, the late Kenneth McDonough, Roy Nockolds, Keith Shackleton and David Shepherd - and of course, Frank Wootton.

From these early beginnings the Guild steadily evolved and matured into the present organisation numbering almost 400 members, including both professional and amateur artists.

The formation of regional groups in recent years has provided the Guild membership with excellent opportunities to get together at frequent intervals for painting and sketching days at airfields and museums in an atmosphere of friendship and helpfulness. In combination with talks, visits, workshops and newsletters advice and encouragement is always available to those who wish to graduate through the status of Friend to Associate and ultimately to the designation of Full Member.

Entry membership as a Friend is available to all age groups interested in aviation and/or art. This includes non-artists who simply enjoy the convivial atmosphere and proximity to aircraft frequently available in privileged situations.

Looking to the future, it is the aim of the Guild to build on these achievements and continue in its endeavours to present and promote some of the very finest aviation art in the world.