Lot #74 - B. H. Kennett, 1914-c.1964 (Great Britain)
B. H. Kennett, 1914-c.1964 (Great Britain)
Estimate: 1 000 - 1 500 £
Auction ended
Lot Description
B. H. Kennett (1914-c.1964)
PORTRAIT OF SQUADRON LEADER VICTOR HOGAN, 1955
Oil on canvas, size 91.5 x 71.5 cm (36 x 28 inches)
Signed and dated lower left. Inscription on verso: painted in the war by a pilot from 155 squadron bomber command 1943-44.
B. H. Kennett (1914-c.1964) Professional War Artist and Royal Air Force (RAF) Pilot
Born in 1914 in the United Kingdom, Kennett received a rigorous academic art education. At the outbreak of World War II, being an experienced pilot, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) and entered active service. He served with No. 155 Squadron, which at the time was part of Bomber Command. Throughout the war, Kennett balanced his combat sorties with his role as an unofficial portrait artist for his unit. His position among the elite aviators granted him unique access to key figures of the war. Notably, he painted the portrait of Victor Hogan, who served as the personal navigator to Air Chief Marshal Arthur "Bomber" Harris. Hogan flew over 100 combat missions over Germany and concluded his service decorated with a double DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) and Bar, one of the highest honors for aerial valor. After the war, Kennett continued to work in oils, maintaining his disciplined academic style. Records of his life and work cease around 1964, suggesting his untimely passing.
PORTRAIT OF SQUADRON LEADER VICTOR HOGAN, 1955
Oil on canvas, size 91.5 x 71.5 cm (36 x 28 inches)
Signed and dated lower left. Inscription on verso: painted in the war by a pilot from 155 squadron bomber command 1943-44.
B. H. Kennett (1914-c.1964) Professional War Artist and Royal Air Force (RAF) Pilot
Born in 1914 in the United Kingdom, Kennett received a rigorous academic art education. At the outbreak of World War II, being an experienced pilot, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) and entered active service. He served with No. 155 Squadron, which at the time was part of Bomber Command. Throughout the war, Kennett balanced his combat sorties with his role as an unofficial portrait artist for his unit. His position among the elite aviators granted him unique access to key figures of the war. Notably, he painted the portrait of Victor Hogan, who served as the personal navigator to Air Chief Marshal Arthur "Bomber" Harris. Hogan flew over 100 combat missions over Germany and concluded his service decorated with a double DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) and Bar, one of the highest honors for aerial valor. After the war, Kennett continued to work in oils, maintaining his disciplined academic style. Records of his life and work cease around 1964, suggesting his untimely passing.
Conditions
Good condition.
Auction Description
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