The Presentation Print
and the story of the picture

This print is one of a limited edition of 100. It is a giclee print on museum quality paper with a slightly structured soft-textured surface as in a traditional fine art paper. The paper is acid free with a weight of 315gsm.

The normal print size is approximately 22.5 x 15.5 inches, but, as this is a bespoke piece of art, the artist can produce it for you at a smaller size so that it can hang in that ideal position in your house or will be the best size for a gift.

A bespoke picture can have your loggo, or wording placed on it, a superb solution for a presentation gift.

• The print is signed personally by Michael once he is happy with the quality
• Limited edition prints are numbered.
• The print comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
• It is accompanied by the story behind it so you can entertain the friends to whom you show it - see below.
• The print is flat packed to make it easier for framers. Unless you are outside the UK in which case it is sent in a roll for additional security. Michael normally completes your print and despatches it to you within two working days.

An email newsletter tells you which prints are rare. Typically it features one print and tells the story behind it. It tells collectors the latest painting Michael is working on and the latest print he is producing. It describes where Michael's paintings are being exhibited and selects a charity print supporting farmers, lifeboats, dartmoor ponies or hospice charities to show how that print is making a difference. The newsletter is free and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please click on the link to be kept in touch with Michael's work.

The Story of the Painting

During a Russian convoy the Walrus was kept in the air in order to force following U boats below the surface. In all but gales the Walrus were catapulted on a three to four hour mission. The captain decided which side to recover the Walrus dependant on the tactical situation. He dropped back from the convoy to give manoeuvring room, and steamed at ninety degrees off the wind. As the aircraft approached the ship turned hard to port or starboard and headed into the wind, this created a 'slick; or smoothing of the breaking waves at the stern. At the same time the captain ordered an immediate landing by raising Flag 'F'; to the hoist on the side chosen for recovery.

The Walrus plummeted out of the sky - people said that the pilot threw a brick out of the window and followed it down to get the correct glide angle! It stalled into the slick then raced to catch up with the ship, which, in order to avoid torpedo attack, was still steaming at up to 14 knots.

The Walrus observer opened the front hatch to pick up a floating grass line towed from the ship's boom, whilst the gunner climbed onto the top wing ready to hook on. This took courage as, if he fell, or was knocked, backwards he fell into the propeller, and if he fell forwards he fell into the sea. The Walrus was towed by the grass rope next to the ship at up to 14 knots with about 6 feet clearance from the wing tip. The gunner on the top wing hooked onto a Thomas Grab hung from the ship's crane. A skilled crane man, linemen, and men ready to fend off hoisted aboard the plane in a co-ordinated action. The next Walrus was catapulted.

The whole procedure had to be completed before the slick died away. Recoveries taking a minute and a half have been recorded and also on record is a recovery at 15 knots in a 25 knot wind after HMS Nigeria, shown in the painting, sank a German supply ship spotted by her Walrus with a U boat alongside.

Although the painting is of one aircraft and of one ship it is drawn from the experience of many men in many ships. There are some twenty men in this large painting and it is their courage and teamwork in terrible conditions that the painting brings to life. It shows a dangerous routine approached with courage, skill and humour.

This painting was shown at the Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition at the Strand Gallery in The Mall in London. Rear Admiral Roy Clare opened the exhibition and in his opening speech singled it out and said:

'A fantastic painting that everybody must see'

Guarantee

If you are not delighted with the print post it back to us and we will refund your complete outlay with no questions asked. If the print is damaged in transit then contact us and we will replace it.

Payment

Michael's Limited edition works of art tend to sell out and we regularly get people searching for sold out prints so ensure you order your print before it sells out.

To purchase this unique print with a Certificate of Authenticity, made personally for you and signed by the artist, with the story behind the print at the affordable price of £80 (plus postage and packing) click one of the options below.

Purchase on the web with secure payment:

Click on 'Add to Basket' to buy the standard size print (22.5 x 15 inches approx)

Or, click here to buy the print to your bespoke size, with your inscription

Purchase by cheque or money order in the post

Use this form to buy the standard size print (22.5 x 15 inches approx)

Use this form to buy the print at your size with your inscription

Order on the Phone: Please ring our answerphone on 08700 349909 and leave a message. Please tell us the picture you are interested in, your name and telephone number or email address. We will ring you back if you are in the UK or the EEC to arrange delivery and payment. We do not take credit card details on the phone but can arrange secure payment facilities by email, or by cheque.

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