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Product Description
Product Description
Airfix has been commercially producing plastic kits since 1952 and its models have been made by successive generations of young boys and men alike. In the 1960s, a talented graphic artist called Roy Cross was commissioned to paint some of the box art for Airfix, and for a ten-year-period he provided many of the glorious paintings seen on the boxes, setting new standards for realism and accuracy. Many are still being used today, a full four decades later.
About the Author
Roy Cross RSMA GAvA was born in Southwark and began work as an illustrator in Fairey Aviation during World War Two. Over the next thirty years, Roy progressed to top-class advertising art for the aircraft industry and other companies including Airfix. For ten years he supplied artwork for Airfix, with his last painting for the company being the Germany heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen in 1974. In that year Roy set out on his own and he still paints and his glorious paintings can still be found today in art galleries and in private collections. Sadly, much of his Airfix artwork was destroyed and all that remains are the lids of many millions of boxes. Resident - Kent.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Growing up in the seventies, I took up aircraft modelling at age about 11. My first few kits were Airfix kits, then widely available. To me, no other kit manufacturer could match the sheer dramatic intensity and wealth of detail of the Airfix boxart. It was thus with considerable elation that I came across, purchased and read this book - I would finally be able to revisit some of the images that graced my teenage years. And there they were. Many I already knew, others were new. I particularly enjoyed reading about alternative artwork that never made it to the boxtops, as well as about Roy Cross's painting technique.
The only thing I found disappointing - and which kept me from awarding this book a 5-star rating - is that there isn't anywhere near enough in it - it is too short, ends too soon. I could have gone on looking at Roy's boxart and his commentary for much, much longer.
The only thing I found disappointing - and which kept me from awarding this book a 5-star rating - is that there isn't anywhere near enough in it - it is too short, ends too soon. I could have gone on looking at Roy's boxart and his commentary for much, much longer.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Unfortunately not the comprehensive tome I was expecting. Certain paintings are conspicuous by their absence. Others are actually referred to in the text, such as the Vickers Wellington, Boeing Superfortress and Avro Lancaster. In order to obtain these works you have to buy another book... To be fair the book didn't promise to include all his work but, I still feel a little cheated with such important kits excluded.
However, not a complete let down as the wealth of artwork that is included is beautiful and the book includes a glimpse of what might have been the box-art of our childhood memories.
However, not a complete let down as the wealth of artwork that is included is beautiful and the book includes a glimpse of what might have been the box-art of our childhood memories.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I've always been a fan of airfix kits so this was a trip down memory lane for me, but aside from that, i would recommend this book to anyone who is even remotely interested in representational or fine art, or in technical illustrations. The book is large format, beautifully printed and jammed full of absolutely stunning full colour plates showing the best of Cross's work. The man is a genius and has absolute mastery of his craft. He also includes a number of pencil sketches and some fascinating notes about how the paintings came to be made. All in all, an amazing package and worth every penny.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Good Artwork - Poor Quality from India!!
I recently purchased this quite expensive book to find that the artwork was fantastic but the quality of the product was poor. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Commander
Aifix Box Art
This is a great book if you remember reading the Airfix catalogue or toy shops in the 70's and 80's. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Mr. G. Stone
Sensational !
Opening this book was like winding the clock back more than thirty ! years and I was one of those small boys who saved and saved to buy a good many of the Airfix kits that have... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Duncurin
One Toy Where The Box Really Was Better Than The Contents Within
The artwork on 60's Airfix kit boxes was a huge influence on millions of young boys, boys who are now 40-somethings with a serious nostalgia habit, not least because their kids... Read more
Published on 14 Aug 2009 by The Kinniburgh Kid
Fantastic
Stunning collection of box art from Airfix. Took me rigth back to the early to mid 1970s. Now I can go back at leasure whenever I feel like. Read more
Published on 15 July 2009 by Jan Abrahamsson
The Vintage Years of Airfix Box
An excellant book full of Roy Cross's artwork a real treat for both Airfix and Roy Cross enthusiasts alike
Published on 10 Jun 2009 by Mr. S. Nicklin
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