A DALES aviation artist is to exhibit a range of his work to coincide with Leyburn 1940s weekend this month.

John Hunter, from Grinton in Swaledale currently has an exhibition of his work at the Mall Galleries in London, as well as another at the RAF Club in Piccadilly in the capital.

Now he’s preparing to exhibit his work closer to home. On July 20 a collection of his aviation-inspired artwork will be at Leyburn Arts and Community Centre, to coincide with the Leyburn 1940s weekend later in July. The exhibition will remain on display until August 10.

As well as being an artist, John is also a jazz pianist and recently entertained almost 200 Second World War flying veterans, aged between 92 and 106 at a Project Propeller event at Gloucester Airport.

John’s artwork was also featured – which is some cases depicted the very aircraft flown by the veterans.

“It was an amazing day,” said John, who has been involved in the project for fifteen years.

“Meeting such venerable ladies and gentlemen is always a pleasure, and they always appreciate music from the 1930s and 40s.”