Robert Taylor (artist)

For the American artist, see Robert Taylor (painter). For other people, see Robert Taylor (disambiguation).

Robert Taylor (1946 – 4 January 2024) was a British artist, best known for his depictions of military aircraft, particularly from World War II.

Career

Born in 1946, Taylor lived and worked in Bath, England, where he was trained at the Bath School of Art. After leaving art college, while continuing to paint in his spare time, he became a professional picture restorer. This brought him into contact with work of the great masters, ancient and modern, and gave him a valuable insight into the techniques of many of these great artists.^[1]

His career took off when he became a full-time professional artist in the mid-1970s, focusing on aviation art.

Taylor's paintings are renowned for their detailed and realistic portrayal of aircraft in combat scenarios. He was known for his ability to capture the essence of aerial warfare, often depicting aircraft not as new, pristine machines, but as battle-worn, damaged, and realistically portrayed in action.

His work has received acclaim from those in both the arts and the military, with testimonials from notable figures like Captain Peter Townsend (RAF officer) and Air Vice Marshal Johnnie Johnson (RAF officer) praising his ability to capture the reality of aerial combat. His art is showcased in numerous galleries worldwide, with a strong following in the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, and Japan.^[2]

Personal life and death

Robert Taylor passed away at the beginning of 2024 after a short illness, leaving behind a vast collection of work that continues to be highly valued.^[3]