Paintings, however, are but one of the art forms that impart the Club's unique atmosphere. Our extensive collection of original Squadron Badges is unrivalled, and gives the first floor corridor a special visual and historical ambience.
Art Collection
The Royal Air Force Club is justly proud of its Art collection. For members and their guests, our extensive display of original aviation paintings reflects a Club that lives and breathes the history of the Royal Air Force.
A Unique History
Stained Glass Artistry
One of the most arresting works for dramatic impact and artistic quality is the Club's original stained glass window installed on the rear staircase in 2009; a window whose colour and innovative techniques so well reflect the qualities of the Royal Air Force. Designed by artist Helen Whittaker, its design symbolises both a Service and a Club that are rooted in their history but moving ever onwards and upwards.
A Celebration of Women in the Service of The RAF
In 2017, the Club once again turned to stained glass window artist Helen to bring a further two windows to fruition. The genesis of these windows dates back a decade or so when two Trustees, Arts Committee Chairman Wg Cdr Michael Gilbert and Gp Capt Tony Banks proposed the idea of creating a window to commemorate “women in the service of the Royal Air Force”. This spectacular window has now transformed a previously underused space into one of the centenary year's most visual highlights. On October 17th 2018, Her Majesty The Queen formally unveiled the two windows.
Royal Auxiliary Air Force Centenary Stained Glass Window
This latest addition to our stained glass window collection commemorates the centenary of the formation of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and was unveiled by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester in October 2024. His Royal Highness is both the Air Commodore-in-Chief of the RAuxAF and President of the BSGMP, and his gracious unveiling of the window made for the perfect occasion that will long be remembered by the Club.
Designed by Air Specialist Class 1 Chad Kenney under the mentorship of Deborah Lowe of British Society of Master Glass Painters, the artwork demonstrates the incredible skills that lie behind the surface of our talented Royal Air Force aviators.
“I feel the window is a testament not just to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force over the years, but specifically to the countless individuals that have served throughout this tremendous hundred years we have been blessed to have them.” AS1 Chad Kenney