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About
Michael Turner:
Michael
Turner was born in Harrow, Middlesex, in 1934. Raised in the suburbs of
London during the Second World War. He was inspired by the exploits of
the RAF and developed an early talent for aircraft recognition, drawing
aeroplanes in his school exercise books to the chagrin of his teachers.
This enthusiasm for aviation found a parallel passion in the thrill of
motor racing after a holiday visit to the Isle of Man in 1947, where he
chanced to see the first post war revival of the British Empire Trophy
Race.
From that moment, with the indulgence of his parents until he reached
driving age, Michael attended as many motor sport events as possible,
including the first ever meetings at Silverstone and Goodwood and the
Jersey Road Races.
His formal education completed, Michael spent a year at Art College followed
by two years National Service with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical
Engineers.
Three years in advertising studios in London provided valuable experience
and in 1957 he went freelance.
With a strong belief that there is no substitute for first hand involvement
in order to portray such demanding subjects with authority and feeling,
Michael has travelled extensively to the world's major race tracks to
satisfy his need for authenticity, and he continues to visit several Grand
Prix each year.
To the same end, he has flown in many service aircraft, from Tiger Moth
and Lancaster to Harrier and Tornado, plus aerobatic sorties with the
Red Arrows, to gain first hand impressions for his aviation paintings.
Michael also holds a Private Pilots Licence and flies his own Chipmunk
aircraft. He is a founder member of The Guild of Aviation Artists, of
which he has twice been Chairman and is now President, and an Honorary
Fellow of the Guild of Motoring Artists.
His clients include many racing drivers, teams, sponsors, pilots, motor
and aircraft manufacturers, RAF and Army messes, museums and private collections
worldwide, and he has held one man exhibitions in London, New York, Australia
and the U.S.A., plus participation in specialist shows in the U.K. and
Europe.
To date, Michael has had six books of his paintings published - featuring
aircraft of the Royal Air Force, Formula One Motor Racing, Aircraft of
the Luftwaffe, Aviation Art, Monaco Grand Prix and Motor Sport Art. Married
to his wife, Helen, in 1960. They have two daughters, Alison and Suzanne,
as well as their son, Graham.
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