Grace Spitfire
Artwork Title
Grace Spitfire
Artwork Description
Digital illustration, 2020
Supermarine Spitfire ML407 ‘The Grace Spitfire’
The Grace Spitfire ML407 was originally built at Castle Bromwich in early 1944 as a Mark IX single seat fighter and served in the front line of battle throughout the last twelve months of World War II with six different allied Squadrons of the RAF’s 2nd Tactical Air Force. ML407 flew a total of 176 operational combat sorties amassing an impressive total 319 combat hours. ML407 was delivered to 485 New Zealand Squadron on the 29th April 1944 by Jackie Moggridge, one of the top lady pilots of the Air Transport Auxilllary (ATA), where it became the ‘mount’ of Flying Officer Johnnie Houlton DFC who was accredited, whilst flying ML407, with the first enemy aircraft shot down over the Normandy beachhead on 6th June D-Day.
Inspired from a photograph by Tom Carlill at “Daks over Duxford” in 2019.
Created in Affinity Designer for iPad.
Instagram link:
📷 Tom Carlill Photography > @carlillphotography
Behind the Piece
Firefly was one of my earliest explorations in digital minimalism. I wanted to distill the Spitfire’s elegant geometry into something both abstract and unmistakable — a visual echo of motion and nostalgia. The fleur-de-lys background wasn’t chosen by chance; its floral curves contrast the sharp precision of the aircraft, softening its wartime origins into something more contemplative. To me, it represents the enduring beauty that can arise from things once built for survival — a reminder that even in steel and smoke, there’s still grace.
Artistic Ponderings
When I think of flying, I think of freedom. The kind that makes your pulse quicken even before your feet leave the ground. Firefly is born from those memories: the thrum of an engine, the horizon glowing with promise, and the fleeting spark of being fully alive. Like the firefly that shines briefly in darkness, these moments of flight continue to glow in my memory, reminding me that light and wonder often live within the smallest, most transient moments.
Alternative Description
Digital illustration of a Supermarine Spitfire viewed from above, with the upper half in deep red and the lower half in black, divided by a looping white line that winds gracefully across the wings. The background features a soft gray fleur-de-lys pattern and the artist’s initials “GWV” appear in the lower right corner.
Hash Tags
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