Early August saw a group of artists making the first visit by the Guild to the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust Exhibition in Derby.
The exhibition is situated in the Company’s Learning and Development Centre (LDC) in the Aerospace campus in Derby and tells the story of the Rolls- Royce range of products, with exhibits from before the First World War through to modern civil large turbofans. The exhibition contains over thirty Rolls- Royce engines ranging from Henry Royce’s first aero engine, the V12 Eagle of 1915, through the Merlin and the RB211-22 to the Trent XWB of today.
Our visit was hosted by Peter Johnston, Rolls-Royce Guideline Team Manager, LDC Heritage Centre, along with Jon Skelson, Rolls-Royce Corporate Heritage lead. After assembling at 10:00, and with introductions and briefings completed in a special meeting area in the Exhibition space, Peter gave us a brief introductory tour of the Exhibition.
As we expected, there were plenty of interesting sketching opportunities to be had. Artists dispersed around the Exhibition to view and then set to work on their chosen subjects. Later in the afternoon the group reconvened in the designated meeting area for a review of the day’s work.
Reflecting on a great day at a new venue for the Guild, thanks are due to the R-R Heritage Team for their welcome and facilitation of the day’s proceedings : Peter Johnston, Marie Moore, Jon Skelson, Sandra Freeman and CEO Andy Roberts. Thank you as well to the reception and security staff and Centre catering team who made us so welcome. And thank you to the artists themselves and supporters who participated in the day and created some great art. Thank you all !

Richard Thorne AGAvA
Secretary