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D. G. Chatfield 1933-2007 Oil R101 Airship Trials
We are offering for sale this evocative and historical aviation oil painting by the artist Donald Graham Chatfield, who has signed the painting in the lower left hand corner and dated it 1978. On the back of the canvas, the artist has written D. G. Chatfield, Sywell and 'Bedfordshire Trials' R101. The painting depicts the ill-fated airship R101 on its trials over the Bedfordshire countryside.
This is one of three paintings by this artist with differing aviation subjects that we will be listing over the next few days.
The Royal Airship Works was formed in 1919 after the airship hangers or sheds at Cardington, Befordshire built by the Short Brothers, were nationalised to build airships for the country. The R101 and the R100 were being built at the same time, the R101 directly by the Air Ministry and the R100 by a private company, but financed by the government. To simplify the story, which is available in great detail online, the R101 had various problems during its construction, with lift, as the tail planes were too heavy, which led to it being extended to allow for more gas bags to improve the lift. This was only just completed, with little time for trials before its much heralded flight to India, which was due to leave Cardington on 26th September 1930. The wind, however, kept the airship in its shed until lst October, when it left for a 24 hour endurance trial. All apparently went well although there was not a full speed trial.
Having been granted a permit to fly, it was decided that, as the weather looked suitable that the flight to India should take place on 4th October. The passengers were boarded and the R101 left her mast at 6.24 p.m. There were 54 passengers and crew. The flight went uneventfully until over France, when the wind increased and, at 2 a.m., near the town of Beauvais, the airship went into a long dive. Trim was regained, but shortly after, R101 went into a further steep dive and hit the ground near the Beauvais Ridge, with the nose in a small wood and the rest of the ship in a meadow. Unfortunately, it almost immediately burst into flames and only 8 of those aboard managed to escape the conflagation. Sadly two of these died of their severe injuries, leaving 6 survivors who, although most were burned, were able to give evidence to the subsequent enquiry.
The deceased, including the Air Minister Lord Thomson of Cardington, after lying in state in St. Paul's Cathedral, were buried in a mass grave in the tiny churchyard at Cardington, where there is a large tomb bearing the names of all the lost. There are also two memorials in France.
The sister ship, the R100, although it had made a successful trip to Canada, was mothballed and all further work on airships ceased in the UK. The sheds at Cardington are still there, although the mast has gone, and Shed 1 was restored by English Heritage.
Donald Graham Chatfield was born on in 1933 in Northampton. He painted in both oils and watercolours and seemed to have specialised in aviation paintings. There are two of these in the National Collection at Chester Town Hill and in the Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum. Both of these paintings are visible online at ArtUK.org.
His auction results are available at the usual sites, but other than this we have been unable to discover further details about his life. He lived in Sywell, Northampton for many years, where he died in 2007.
The painting has been newly framed in a 2 1/2" gilt frame and will be supplied wired and ready to hang.
Image size: 13 5/8" x 9 5/8" - 34.6cm x 24.45cm
Frame size: 18 7/8" x 14 7/8" - 47.95cm x 37.8cm
Medium: Oils on canvas
Condition: Very good. The surface is now clean and taut and there is no craquelure. The frame is new.
SellerStudio RT Ltd
View all stock from
Studio RT Ltd
Private Art dealer
By appointment only
Kent
England, UK
Tel : 01622 812556
Non UK callers : +44 1622 812556
This is one of three paintings by this artist with differing aviation subjects that we will be listing over the next few days.
The Royal Airship Works was formed in 1919 after the airship hangers or sheds at Cardington, Befordshire built by the Short Brothers, were nationalised to build airships for the country. The R101 and the R100 were being built at the same time, the R101 directly by the Air Ministry and the R100 by a private company, but financed by the government. To simplify the story, which is available in great detail online, the R101 had various problems during its construction, with lift, as the tail planes were too heavy, which led to it being extended to allow for more gas bags to improve the lift. This was only just completed, with little time for trials before its much heralded flight to India, which was due to leave Cardington on 26th September 1930. The wind, however, kept the airship in its shed until lst October, when it left for a 24 hour endurance trial. All apparently went well although there was not a full speed trial.
Having been granted a permit to fly, it was decided that, as the weather looked suitable that the flight to India should take place on 4th October. The passengers were boarded and the R101 left her mast at 6.24 p.m. There were 54 passengers and crew. The flight went uneventfully until over France, when the wind increased and, at 2 a.m., near the town of Beauvais, the airship went into a long dive. Trim was regained, but shortly after, R101 went into a further steep dive and hit the ground near the Beauvais Ridge, with the nose in a small wood and the rest of the ship in a meadow. Unfortunately, it almost immediately burst into flames and only 8 of those aboard managed to escape the conflagation. Sadly two of these died of their severe injuries, leaving 6 survivors who, although most were burned, were able to give evidence to the subsequent enquiry.
The deceased, including the Air Minister Lord Thomson of Cardington, after lying in state in St. Paul's Cathedral, were buried in a mass grave in the tiny churchyard at Cardington, where there is a large tomb bearing the names of all the lost. There are also two memorials in France.
The sister ship, the R100, although it had made a successful trip to Canada, was mothballed and all further work on airships ceased in the UK. The sheds at Cardington are still there, although the mast has gone, and Shed 1 was restored by English Heritage.
Donald Graham Chatfield was born on in 1933 in Northampton. He painted in both oils and watercolours and seemed to have specialised in aviation paintings. There are two of these in the National Collection at Chester Town Hill and in the Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum. Both of these paintings are visible online at ArtUK.org.
His auction results are available at the usual sites, but other than this we have been unable to discover further details about his life. He lived in Sywell, Northampton for many years, where he died in 2007.
The painting has been newly framed in a 2 1/2" gilt frame and will be supplied wired and ready to hang.
Image size: 13 5/8" x 9 5/8" - 34.6cm x 24.45cm
Frame size: 18 7/8" x 14 7/8" - 47.95cm x 37.8cm
Medium: Oils on canvas
Condition: Very good. The surface is now clean and taut and there is no craquelure. The frame is new.
Price The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 13/MAY/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. SOLD Price confidential so please don't ask. Thank you.
Date 1978
1930s Antiques Material Oil Painting on Canvas
Origin English
Item code as237a1220
Status Sold
£0 
$0.00 
€0.00 
$
€
Conversion rates as of 13/MAY/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. SOLD Price confidential so please don't ask. Thank you.
View all stock from
Studio RT Ltd
Private Art dealerBy appointment only
Kent
England, UK
Tel : 01622 812556
Non UK callers : +44 1622 812556
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