Richard Knight

Otway & Orford are proud to collaborate with contemporary artist Richard Knight on our stylish and unique Spitfire inspired silk pocket square, ‘Lone Fighter’.

After being brought up on a farm in Cornwall, Richard went to study design and illustration at Kingston University. Having enjoyed a career as an illustrator and graphic designer, he took the decision to become a full-time artist and success has followed. Richard brings his energetic style to the familiar including urban landscapes, figures and iconic machines, with planes an area of particular fascination since boyhood. The technique of layers of mark making, texture, pattern and non-traditional colours combined with a natural observational drawing style brings a fresh perspective to the interpretation of Richard’s subject matter.'

Richard’s original acrylic on canvas artwork was inspired by the ultimate iconic aircraft, the Supermarine Spitfire. The Spitfire acquired mythical status on both sides of the conflict during the Battle of Britain and its pilots, along with those of the less glamorous but more numerous Hurricane, were immortalised by Prime Minister Winston Churchill as ‘The Few’ to whom so much is still owed. The Spitfire lived up to its reputation throughout the war in ever more powerful and heavily armed guises, including the Mark IX that was the inspiration here, and served with all major Allied Air Forces. Richard’s work hints at the impersonal one on one nature of aerial combat as well as bringing to mind those men and women on solo missions such as photo reconnaissance and the Air Transport Auxiliary’s delivery of aircraft to squadrons.

To see more of Richard's work, please visit www.richardknight.art