Background

In this most atmospheric of images, artist Paul Renwick Farley pays homage to the classic Sabre and Mirage jets which provided sterling service to the Free World in the decades following the Second World War. The North American F-86 Sabre, modified as the CA-27 for Australian services was the best Sabre day fighter variant in the world. Such modifications included the more powerful Rolls-Royce Avon engine and updated armament of two 30mm Aden cannons replacing six 0.5 inch machine guns. The first Australian Sabre flew on 3 August 1953. Though famed and highly esteemed for its American service in the Korean War, R.A.A.F. Sabres saw overseas service operating from Butterworth in Malaysia and Ubon in Thailand. The Sabre portrayed, A94-983 is the superbly restored R.A.A.F. Historic Flight aircraft.

From 1965, the Dassault Mirage III began to replace the Sabre in Australian service, and as the Mirage matured into a globally renowned, capable and dramatically beautiful flying machine, it became known as "all the world's fighter". The Mirage was the first supersonic aircraft to serve with the R.A.A.F. Aircraft A3-3, depicted in the painting, was the first Australian assembled Mirage, now on display at Fighterworld Display Centre, Williamtown R.A.A.F. Base, N.S.W. Australia.

In the portrayal of these two classic flying machines, which represent the transition of two eras, Paul Renwick Farley has depicted the Avon Sabre and Mirage III engulfed by a swirling squall above the Pacific as they blast through vibrating turbulence dramatised by their explosive low-level sweeping dash. The Sabre bears the colours of No. 75 Squadron, "The Black Diamonds", while the Mirage is in the markings of No. 77 Squadron, "The Grumpy Monkeys".

Print Specifications

Main Print:	"Saber & Mirage Amidst Windswell" Limited Edition Print Limited to 750 Prints, Certificate of Authenticity provided, Full colour, 35" (width) x 25" (height) Image Area: 29" (width) x 20" (height) Printed on 300gsm archival paper with fade resistant inks