Normandy Campaign Signing Event with artist James Dietz - 3rd April
We will be joined at the gallery by a plethora of Normandy veterans and leading artist James Dietz...
JAMES DIETZ is an award-winning artist whose unique approach to the depiction of aviation, automobiles, and military subjects has earned him countless fans around the world. He often portrays a human involvement in his paintings to emphasize the interaction between man and machine.
Dietz began his career as an illustrator in Los Angeles following graduation from the Art Center College of Design in 1969. Then, after roughly a decade in southern California, Dietz moved to Seattle, where he continues to live and work to this day. His clients have included Boeing, Bell Hellicopter, FedEx, Allison, Cessna, flying tigers, the Indianapolis 500, BMW, the National Guard, and numerous branches of the U.S. Army.
“The people, settings, and costumes are what make aviation history exciting and romantic to me.”
Not only are we joined by the artist, but also Normandy veterans who are on hand to sign your prints:
Able Seaman DOUG SHELLEY - served on HMS Milne, one of the biggest M class destroyers and was part of the great Arctic convoys and was part of escort and deception duties during the D-Day Invasion. HMS Milne was one of the large fleet supporting ships around the British and Canadian invasion beaches.
Able Seaman LEN HOBBS Ld’H - as part of the Royal Navy he served on HMS Fernie off Gold Beach throughout the Normandy invasion. He saw action taking part in the rescue operation when HMS Halsted was torpedoed on 11th June 1944 just off Cherbourg.
Corporal NORMAN GRIFFITHS Ld’H - Norman landed on Juno Beach D-Day +4, originally planned for +2. He was an armourer with the Norwegian Fighter Squadrons 331 and 332 operating Mk IX Spitfires. The squadron operated under difficult conditions from the front line, using constantly changing makeshift airfields, until the Normandy breakout, then through Europe to Germany by the end of the war.
Private VICTOR MACKENZIE Ld’H - joining the Home Guard aged 16 in 1940, Vic went on to join the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. Responding to a call for drivers for the Royal Army Service Corps and following extensive training, he landed on Gold Beach in the days after D-Day driving with the Close Support Group, 7th Armoured Division, landing essential supplies and ammunition.
Entry is completely FREE, all we ask is that you RESERVE YOUR TICKET in advance to help us manage numbers and make it relaxed and comfortable for everyone.
Our guests are happy to sign autographs for collectors and items purchased at the event over £60 can be signed free of charge.
Bookings are now being taken so please contact us to secure your place.
