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2004 · DEFENCE OF THE CAPITAL · SIGNED BY 21 BATTLE OF BRITAIN AIRMEN & THE ARTIST GERALD COULSON
LTD EDITION PRINT WITH UNIQUE PENCIL REMARQUE · 85 SQUADRON HURRICANES OVER LONDON
A truly exceptional example of Gerald Coulson’s evocative aviation art, Defence of the Capital, portraying Hurricanes of 85 Squadron locked in a dramatic dogfight with Me109s high above London during the fierce aerial clashes of August 1940.
This is a limited edition print published in 2004 by The Military Gallery, numbered 51/400. It is hand-signed by the artist—who has also added a pencil remarque of a Hurricane in flight—and remarkably, also signed by 21 Battle of Britain airmen. The initial edition was signed by 5 veterans (Kemp, Nicholls, Lee, Foster, and Westlake), but this example has been signed by a further 16 airmen at a later reunion event, making it a significantly rarer and possibly unique survivor.
Details
- Artist: Gerald Coulson, VP GAvA (1926–2021)
- Title: Defence of the Capital
- Publisher: The Military Gallery, 2004
- Edition: Limited to 400 copies (this is No. 51)
- Medium: Lithographic print on semi-gloss paper
- Signatures: Hand-signed by Gerald Coulson and 21 Battle of Britain airmen (many with squadron numbers)
- Remarque: Original pencil remarque of a Hurricane added by Coulson
- Size: 68.7 × 50 cm (sheet) / 58.7 × 39 cm (image only)
- Framing: Unframed
- Shipping: Sent flat-packed by courier. Overseas buyers please enquire—rolled shipping option available at reduced rate.
Condition
- Near Fine to Very Good overall
- Just one or two faint marginal creases (barely noticeable)
- Never framed or mounted—free of residue or sun fading
- Stored flat since purchase; retains crispness and depth of tone
Why It Matters
• An extraordinary gathering of now-unobtainable Battle of Britain signatures
• Beautifully signed and remarqued by acclaimed aviation artist Gerald Coulson
• Rarely seen with such a large number of additional veteran signatures
• A highly collectible piece for aviation historians, military collectors, and WWII enthusiasts
Terms & Information
- Shipping: Tracked & insured worldwide (Royal Mail / UPS / Parcelforce). Flat-packed or rolled by request.
- Payment: PayPal, major cards, Apple/Google Pay, bank transfer.
- Returns: 30-day return window; buyer covers tracked return postage.
- Customs: Overseas buyers are responsible for any duties or taxes.
