Our first foray of 2026 saw a small but determined band of artists flying down to Old Sarum to create within the museum’s WW1 Belfast Trussed hangars. As ever, more happens than can be written here in the QN, so I’ll cut straight to the art itself.
The day started off very cold and foggy for our first East Anglia regional meeting and sketching day of 2026.
Thankfully, the fog and cold didn’t hang around for too long before the sun broke through. However, Jeremy Linton braved the outdoors to rapidly draw the 1945 de Havilland Dragon Rapide (G-AGSH) “before it took off!” As Phil Jackson reported in the critique, ‘from a difficult perspective, due to foreshortening, Jeremy created a lovely loose style image of the Rapide’ in coloured pencils.
The day began with a group gathering at Shuttleworth’s Runway Café, where their Learning Co-ordinator, Matthew Studdert-Kennedy, gave a brief update on the reorganisation of the collection and themed hangers.
Phil Jackson led the art critique outside as the sun was now shining. It was great for the group to receive feedback and for everyone to comment and offer supportive advice. However, the nearby departing motorcycles certainly made hearing the critique interesting for all present!
Thank you to the Shuttleworth staff, especially Matthew Studdert-Kennedy, for their hospitality, for making us feel welcome, and for providing us with an update on recent changes at Shuttleworth. I would also like to thank everyone for attending, along with Phil Jackson for conducting the art critique, and Paul Norris (husband) for his photos from the day!

Amanda Norris
East Anglian Region Organiser