Ray Honisett “Oxford Four” 1989 Original Oil Painting – Australian Aviation Art

An impressive original oil painting by renowned Australian aviation artist Ray Honisett (1931–2019), titled “Oxford Four”, painted in 1989.

This atmospheric composition depicts a formation of Royal Australian Air Force Airspeed Oxford trainers flying above the Australian landscape beneath towering clouds. Richly detailed and beautifully executed, the work demonstrates Honisett’s ability to combine historical accuracy with dramatic artistic expression.

Signed and dated lower right, the painting is presented in a quality timber frame with linen slip and gilt accents, making it a striking display piece for collectors of Australian art, military history and aviation memorabilia.

Artwork Details

• Title: Oxford Four
• Artist: Ray Honisett
• Date: 1989
• Medium: Original oil on canvas
• Subject: Airspeed Oxford aircraft in formation
• Signature: Signed lower right “Ray Honisett ’90”
• Framing: Quality timber frame with linen slip and gilt trim
• Overall size: Approximately 90 cm wide × 75 cm high
• Ready to hang

About the Artist

Ramon Francis “Ray” Honisett (1931–2019) was one of Australia’s foremost aviation and maritime artists. A Fellow of RMIT and the first professional artist permitted to paint in the Australian Antarctic Territory, he devoted much of his career to recording Australia’s aviation and naval heritage.

His work was exhibited throughout Australia and is represented in numerous important institutional collections, including:

• Australian War Memorial, Canberra
• Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney
• Powerhouse Museum, Sydney
• Royal Australian Air Force Museum, Point Cook
• Numerous private collections throughout Australia and overseas

Respected by historians and collectors alike, Honisett became renowned for his exceptional accuracy and ability to capture the romance and drama of flight.

A Piece with a Story

“Oxford Four” commemorates the Airspeed Oxford trainer, an aircraft that played a vital role in preparing Allied aircrew during World War II. Thousands of pilots, navigators and wireless operators received their training in these aircraft, making them an enduring symbol of Australian military aviation.

Painted in 1989, this original work captures both the beauty and significance of these iconic aircraft and represents an opportunity to acquire a work by one of Australia’s most respected aviation artists.

Condition

Presented in very good vintage condition.

• Original oil painting.
• Signed and dated by the artist.
• Professionally framed and ready to hang.
• Minor age-related wear commensurate with age and display.
• Please refer to photographs, which form part of the description. Additional photographs are available upon request.

Viewing & Collection

Many of our larger artworks, furniture and special pieces are held in secure storage or displayed by rotation, meaning not all items are available for immediate inspection.

Private viewings are welcomed and available strictly by appointment at Vintage HQ in Heidelberg, Victoria. Please contact us prior to visiting to ensure the artwork is available for viewing.

Whether you are interested in a single piece or would like to view several items from our collection, we are happy to accommodate and provide a relaxed, personalised viewing experience.

Local collection is available and delivery or specialist transport can be arranged by quotation.

Price

Price of this piece is by Expression of Interest

Vintage HQ

At Vintage HQ, we specialise in fine art, antiques and collectables with stories to tell.

Questions and additional photographs are always welcome. We are happy to assist and invite you to browse our ever-changing collection of unique and historically significant pieces.