Philip E West is recognised as one of the world's finest aviation artists. Collectors of his original oil paintings span the globe, many waiting patiently for his next breathtaking canvas to appear.

With more than 100 limited editions behind him, a waiting list of commissioned paintings for clients both existing and new, and a head full of ideas for new limited edition prints, life is never dull for the Wiltshire based artist.

Self-taught, after years of painting pictures for friends and relatives, Philip took the plunge and became a full-time professional artist.

Since then he has developed a very loyal and expanding following for both his original paintings and prints which regularly fetch more than £6000 for the originals. Whilst jets, and Phantoms in particular, light Philip’s fire, he is also a master painter of piston-engined classics; being renowned for his rendition of Avro Lancasters and Supermarine Spitfires.

Philip's knowledge of aircraft and the accuracy of his work combine to record a moment in history so perfectly, that both collectors and admirers of his work are able to feel a real sense of the excitement and drama that his work portrays.

For the first time, the best of these magnificent paintings have been collected in a luxury hardback book, to tie in with the 100th anniversary of the RAF. Each full-colour reproduction carries an explanatory caption, while Philip has composed an introduction explaining how his paintings have become his tapestry to a remarkable career.