R100 & R101 graphics!

We are working hard installing the new exhibition 'R100 & R101 Airships at Cardington' and even though there is a still lot to do (and I mean a lot!) we thought we would give you a quick sneak peak. Yesterday vinyls of the exhibition artwork by Paul Catherall arrived and we are all very happy with them. One stretches the length of the far wall and makes a huge statement as you come in. We hope you will all like them too. VP

 

 

Paul Catherall R100 & R101 Artwork

If you've picked up our What's On leaflet in Bedford over the past few days, you may have been taken by the striking design on the cover.....

To celebrate the forthcoming R100 & R101: Airships at Cardington exhibition the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery & Bedford Museum have commissioned an exclusive artwork from renowned linocut printmaker and illustrator, Paul Catherall.

Paul Catherall has previously been commissioned by such high-profile names as Transport for London, British Airways and the Southbank Centre.

His strong, clear lines and bold colours have depicted such iconic buildings as the Eiffel Tower, St. Paul’s Cathedral, 30 St. Mary’s Axe (otherwise known as the ‘Gherkin’) by Foster + Partners, and Battersea Power Station. Now the sheds at Cardington join that illustrious list.

The work is entirely hand made throughout the drawing, carving, and editioning stages and the final design is printed with highest quality oil based inks on acid-free paper. The dimensions of the works are 76.4 x 56.4cm

The Art Gallery and Museum originally only asked for one design, but inspired by the iconic forms of the airships and the sheds the artist decided to increase the work he produced to three striking variations at no extra cost. The primary image that will feature on the poster for the exhibition depicts the sheds, R100, and R101 in shades of blue. The other two are in stark black and white with different numbers of airships on each, that evoke the paintings of dazzle ships by Edward Wadsworth, one of Catherall’s favourite artists. We love them all, and are thrilled with the outcome. The exhibition is in the process of being put together as we speak and we hope this is going to be a really popular exhibition.

A very limited run of the prints will be available to buy at £375 each, and the exhibition poster will also be available to buy. We are currently in the process of putting together a range of merchandise with the commissioned artwork.

All images copyright of the artist and Cecil Higgins Art Gallery & Bedford Museum, 2010.

Final flight of the R101

At the moment we're busy collating images and information on the airships R101 and R100, the development of the Imperial Airship programme, and the two vast sheds at Cardington, Bedfordshire, for the forthcoming exhibition on this fascinating subject. The exhibition is on from 2 October until 19 Decemeber 2010 in Bedford Gallery. I just came across this video which has been put together by Trevor Monk, on the final flight of R101 and thought it would be great to share it, especially for those unfamiliar with the tragic story of the largest airship ever built.

For lots more in-depth information on R101 and airships go to http://www.airshipsonline.com website of the Airship Heritage Trust. You can find them too on facebook at the R101 airship group http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/gr... and finally there is a 'We Love the Cardington Sheds' group on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/gr...

Airship Heritage Trust

For those fascinated by the R101 and R100 airships or the sheds at Cardington, the forthcoming exhibition at Bedford Gallery is something to really look forward to. We have been working closely with the Airship Heritage Trust to put this exhibiton together as well as to develope ideas for permanent displays in the refurbished museum & gallery. Read more about how the trust have been working with us here : http://www.airshipsonline.com/Museum/index.html