A painting by my late father, James Field. He was an artist and illustrator with a passion for history. Below is the accompanying text he wrote at the time:
The Westland Wagtail was designed during the First World War as a ‘fighter’ with the ABC Wasp seven cylinder 170hp engine as its power plant. During 1918 the Wagtail was sent to Martlesham Heath for fighter trials along with the Sopwith Snail also fitted with the Wasp. Unfortunately the Wasp was not a successful engine hence the title of the painting as the aircraft were not only competing with each other but with their engines. With the close of the War new military aircraft were deemed unnecessary and the type faded away. One of four of James' paintings included in 'The Art of Flight' celebrating 100 years of Westland built aircraft.
Original Painting Info:
MEDIUM: Acrylic on canvas board
SIZE: 460x360mm (18x14ins)