Knights of the Sky – Albert Ball VC, DSO & 2 Bars, MC

Albert Ball

Albert Ball VC, DSO & 2 Bars, MC (14 August 1896 – 7 May 1917) was an exceptional
English fighter pilot of the First World War. He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross,
for gallantry “in the face of the enemy”, the highest award that can be earned by
members of the British or Commonwealth armed forces. At the time of his death he was,
with forty-four victories, the United Kingdom’s leading flying ace, and remained its
fourth-highest scorer behind Edward Mannock, James McCudden, and George McElroy.

A special commision for Goodwood Aero Club as an award at the Vintage Fly-in Concours
d’elegance (2008). The original is the result of 8 weeks work following the mould
making process. The Earl of March was delighted with the sculpture.

Exhibited at the Guild of Aviation Artists annual exhibition 2009, The Mall Galleries
london. Being the only sculpture offered and accepted, it was Highly commended for the
Quantas Trophy and the Arthur Gibson Trophy.

Solid bronze on a slate base

An edition of 50, individually numbered and signed

Current Pricing

£ 2500

‘I first encountered Gregs work whilst filming at the Boultbee Flight Academy, in Chichester back in 2015 for Channel 4. I remember the reception area was jammed full of really amazing aviation artefacts; spitfire yokes, reflector gun sights, models etc… there was one item that particually stood out amongst the rest though…

On the coffee table, in the centre of the room, surrounded by thick, heavy leather settees was this beautiful Bronze sculpture. Unlike anything id seen before, I instantly fell in love with it, it was an early edition of Gregs Albert Ball piece; ‘Knights Of The Sky’. What struck me was the energy of the sculpture, Greg had managed to capture the speed, and adrenaline of the aeroplanes action in its form. It focussed on the cockpit section and was contained in this perfectly proportioned bronze. I could picture it in my home, and for many years there after wished it was!

I had no idea back then that I would be starting the collection, but when I first conceived the idea, I knew that Greg’s work, and sculptures just had to feature. I had no idea how I was going to convince this extremely talented artist to agree, but I had to have his work!’  Arthur Williams 2019 is a BAFTA-winning British television presenter, professional paralympic cyclist and former Royal Marine.

Continuing the theme of filming my work, here is an edition of ‘Albert Ball VC DFC’ finished and ready to go to its very happy new owner.

This incredible background commentary is from interviews conducted by the BBC in the 1960s of surviving Soldiers and Airmen from the First World War.

Cecil Lewis recalls first-hand how he became an underaged pilot at the age of 17, and flying his plane through artillery fire at the Battle of the Somme.

The role of aircraft changed during the course of the First World War, and Cecil Lewis’s experiences reflect these changes. Gaining a baptism of fire as a reconnaissance pilot over the Somme battlefield in 1916, he was later posted to a fighter squadron, where he saw incredible feats of daring and courage in the loneliest form of warfare.

Albert Ball with the new optional Cotswold Stone base

Hot Waxing one of the Albert Ball bronzes

The Mall Gallery 2009

Gibson Trophy and Quantas Trophy with 3 editions sold

 The Mall Gallery 2009

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