France 1940

Original Paintings from Osprey 'France 1940'

These are original paintings by Graham Turner, painted in gouache on watercolour board for the Osprey book 'France 1940'. They are unique pieces of hand-painted artwork by this well known historical artist - CLICK HERE for more information about how to purchase one of these paintings, or to arrange to visit us to view the originals.

For details of more original paintings by Graham Turner from other periods of history that are also available for sale, CLICK HERE.

Studio 88 also publishes an extensive range of prints and greeting cards from Graham Turner's historical paintings, with print prices from £15 and cards £1.50. CLICK HERE to go to the main menu and see what is available.

Painting by Graham Turner from Osprey book France 1940

Stuka Attack Ref: GT53A

Ju 87B Stukas of StG 77 commander Colonel Guenther Schwartzkopff's staff flight prepare to dive on their target, concrete bunkers on the banks of the Meuse near Sedan, 13th May 1940.

Gouache painting by Graham Turner - image size 19"x 13" (48 x 33cm)

click on image to enlarge

Please see the paragraphs below for information about purchasing an original painting

Price: £750.00

France Fights Back Ref: GT53B

Loire-Nieuport LN.411 dive-bombers attack the panzer advance at Barlaimont, 18th May 1940. Approaching at low level the aircraft of AB2 and AB4 squadrons suffered heavily; of the 20 planes sent on the mission, 11 where shot down by flak near the town, one was downed in error by French anti-aircraft fire, another fell to a German fighter, and six were so badly damaged they were put out of action - leaving only one serviceable aircraft.

Gouache painting by Graham Turner - image size 19"x 13" (48 x 33cm)

click on image to enlarge

Please see the paragraphs below for information about purchasing an original painting

Price: £750.00

Werner Mölders Ref: GT53C

Germany's top ace Werner Mölders, a Gruppe commander in JG53, was leading a flight of Bf 109s on 5th June 1940 when they encountered French fighters that he misidentified as Morane 406s. They were actually a squadron of Dewoitine 520s - a plane as fast and maneuverable as the Bf109 E.

A D520 piloted by Lt Pomier Layrargues, an experienced pilot trained in 1937 who was already credited with shooting down 4 German bombers, made a pass at Mölders and fired wide. Both planes broke and banked hard in opposite directions, Lt Layrargues turning his plane tightly to put a short burst of fire into the 109.

Mölders parachuted safely to ground and was captured by French soldiers, but was a POW for just 2 weeks, until France surrendered and hundreds of captured German aircrew were released.

It was Lt Layrargues' 5th aerial victory, but he was killed a half hour later in a dogfight with another German fighter unit.

Gouache painting by Graham Turner - image size 19"x 13" (48 x 33cm)

click on image to enlarge

Please see the paragraphs below for information about purchasing an original painting

Price: £750.00

Purchasing an Original Painting

Graham Turner's original paintings and drawings are offered for sale by the artist himself, rather than through Studio 88, which is our print publishing business. Consequently, payment directly to him is preferred. If you are interested in purchasing an original painting, please email Graham Turner at graham@studio88.co.uk to discuss the purchase.

The cost of shipping original paintings varies, depending on their size, value and destination. Our usual shipping rates do not apply, but we would be happy to provide a quote for shipping to your address if required.

CLICK HERE for more information about buying an original.

Paintings are priced unframed. Copyright is retained by Osprey Publishing.

Artist signed Osprey book, Air Campaign 53, France 1940

France 1940 Ref: ACM53
The first great clash of World War II airpower

by James S. Corum

Includes three paintings by Graham Turner G.Av.A.

Books bought from Studio 88 are individually hand-signed by artist Graham Turner

From the publisher's website:
The battle for France and Belgium was one of the most significant moments in modern warfare: the first great clash of modern major powers, where both sides possessed large and capable air forces, and modern combined-arms doctrine. It was in the air that the Germans had a notable advantage in both numbers and quality. But this does not fully explain the victory of the Luftwaffe over the RAF and the French Air Force in 1940.

In this book, renowned airpower scholar James S. Corum offers an operational-level history of the air campaign, and explains comprehensively and concisely how the campaign was fought, and why the Luftwaffe made such superior use of their airpower. He explains the importance of the air forces' leadership and fighting doctrine, and aspects of the campaign often overlooked, such as the dysfunctional organization that kept hundreds of French aircraft out of the battle, and Germany's pioneering use of radio-equipped air liaison officers that provided the world's first system of 'on-call' close air support.

Researched from French, British, and German primary sources, and illustrated throughout with artwork, 3D diagrams, maps and photos, this book distils the author's decades of scholarship into an essential guide to airpower in the fall of France.

click on image to enlarge

Paperback
248 x 184mm
96 pages
Published 24th April 2025 - orders received before then will be despatched on or very soon after the publication date.

Price: £16.99

Click here for details of the many other Osprey military history books that Graham Turner has been commissioned to create paintings for.

Detail from a painting by Graham Turner from Osprey book France 1940