An Air Gunner in Action Turret - Night - Keith Henderson - Framed art Print

• Framed Modern Art art print (33 x 40 cm) by Keith Henderson.
• Buy this print framed for £155.
• Buy this print unframed for £45.
• Framed Size is 33 x 40 cm.
• A fine art giclée print on matt 250gsm conservation grade digital paper
• A high quality acrylic glazing
• Hanging kit included with framed options
• Other print sizes and frame styles are available.
• To buy, or to see more size and frame options, select 'Choose frame'..

About this artwork

Keith Henderson was among the inaugural War Artists assigned full-time by the War Artists' Advisory Committee when World War II broke out. His penchant for illustrating less portrayed subjects shines through this painting. It provides a tight side view of gunners managing the dorsal gun turret in the Lockheed Hudson surveillance plane. The color of the print is meticulously matched to the original, receiving a nod of approval from the Imperial War Museum. 

This is a compelling work that balances technical accuracy with profound human drama. More than just a historical document, it is a powerful piece of art that captures a pivotal moment in British history, making it a thoughtful and significant addition to any wall.

Looking Deeper

Painted in 1943, this work is a product of Keith Henderson's time as a salaried artist for the War Artists' Advisory Committee (WAAC). Embedded with the Royal Air Force, Henderson was tasked with documenting the war effort, and he brought a unique combination of artistic skill and direct experience to the role, having also served in the First World War. 

The painting places the viewer directly outside the cramped, cold confines of a bomber's rear gun turret, likely a Lancaster or Halifax. Henderson masterfully uses the medium of pastel on paper to create a scene of intense atmospheric depth. The composition is dominated by the dark, inky blues and blacks of the night sky, underscoring the gunner's isolation and the constant threat from below.

At the heart of the image is the air gunner himself, a figure of focused intensity. We see him from the side, his form illuminated  against the night. Henderson's portrayal is not one of overt heroism but of quiet, determined professionalism under extreme pressure. His view is hemmed in by the cold metal and perspex of the turret, creating a palpable sense of claustrophobia and immediacy. Hundreds of young men in Bomber Command faced such conditions night after night.

In your home

An Air Gunner in Action brings dynamism and drama to an interior space, having the feel of a book cover or film poster. The interplay of light and shadow makes it a captivating focal point, drawing the eye and inviting closer inspection.

The deep, cool tones of the night sky work exceptionally well in studies, home offices, or living rooms with a classic or traditional decor scheme. Its rich blues and blacks provide a grounding contrast to walls painted in neutral shades like grey, taupe, or off-white. For a more contemporary feel, consider pairing it with a dark frame and a recessed mount, allowing the artwork to stand out.