The Italian Blitz 1940-43

Original Paintings from 'Italian Blitz 1940-43'

These are original paintings by Graham Turner, painted in gouache on watercolour board for the Osprey book 'Italian Blitz 1940-43'. 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 The Italian Blitz

Wellingtons over Venice Ref: GT-IB1

Vickers Wellingtons bomb the oil refineries near Venice, 12/13th January 1941.

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

click on image to enlarge

SOLD

A Stirling Effort: Pilot Officer Middleton's VC Ref: GT-IB2

Although attacks on Italian targets were considered relatively easy, the long 9-hour journey and crossing the Alps were formidable obstacles. On 28/29 November 1942, the 149 Squadron Short Stirling of Pilot Officer Middleton from New South Wales and his crew found their underperforming engines prevented them from clearing the higher peaks. Over Turin they were then hit by light flack, seriously wounding Middleton, the second pilot, and navigator, but despite his horrific wounds Middleton elected to attempt the return journey, allowing most of his crew to bail out over the coast of England. Middleton and two others perished, but for saving the majority of his crew he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

The painting shows the Stirling over the Alps on the outward journey towards Turin.

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

click on image to enlarge

Price: £750.00

Daylight over Milan Ref: GT-IB3

Lancasters fly low over the Duomo in Milan, 24th October 1942

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

click on image to enlarge

SOLD

Purchasing an Original Painting

Graham Turner's Original Paintings are offered for sale by the artist himself, so 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.

Artist signed Osprey book, Air Campaign 17, The Italian Blitz 1940-43

The Italian Blitz 1940-43 Ref: ACM17
Bomber Command's war against Mussolini's cities, docks and factories

by Richard Worrall

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:
Between June 1940 and August 1943, RAF Bomber Command undertook a little-known strategic bombing campaign in Europe. The target was Mussolini's Italy. This air campaign was a key part of the strategic policy of Britain from 1940 to 1943, which aimed at securing Italy's early surrender. However, it posed unique challenges, not least of which was Italy's natural defences of distance and the Alps.

The bombing campaign against Italy can be divided into a number of phases, with each one having its own specific goals such as affecting Italian war production or hindering the Italian Navy's war in the Mediterranean. However, each also furthered the ultimate aim of forcing Italy's final capitulation, demonstrating that the tactic of area-bombing was not just about the destruction of an enemy's cities, as it could also fulfil wider strategic and political objectives.

Indeed, the intensity and frequency of attack was greatly controlled, and the heavy bombing of Italy was only ever sanctioned by Britain's civilian war leaders to achieve both military and political goals. The issue of target-selection was also subject to a similar political restriction; cities and ports like Milan, Turin, Genoa and La Spezia were sanctioned under an official Directive, but other places, such as Verona, Venice, Florence and, above all, Rome, remained off-limits.

British strategic and military history expert Dr Richard Worrall explores the political, motivational and strategic challenges of the campaign in full. His thorough analysis and meticulous research is supported by specially commissioned artwork, maps, and contemporary photographs.

click on image to enlarge

Paperback
248 x 184mm
96 pages
Published June 2020

Price: £14.99

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 The Italian Blitz