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Description: | Working model Distinguished Flying medal E.Carter Preston Liverpool
whole: oval
design : Athena Nike, winged and helmeted, seated facing left, upon the front section of a right facing biplane. On her right arm a hawk,
its wings extended. The whole surrounded by a narrow laurel wreath which forms an ornate edge to the piece. At the centre of the upper edge
a stylised rose
text : "FOR COVRAGE" (beneath Athena's extended right arm)
suspender : whole: ornate bar in the form of a winged bomb
Preparatory study in plaster, with some later modelling especially of edges, by Edward Carter Preston (1885-1965) for
the design of the Distinguished Flying Medal - a gallantry award for the RAF. Carter Preston's model was ultimately chosen as the basis for
medal production (1918). The complex imagery of the design is said to have been deeply influenced by the style and iconography of Greek
coins of the classical period, and Carter Preston's employment of classical motifs and allusion was in part inspired by the encouragement
of G F Hill (Keeper of the Coins and Medals Department at the British Museum, who later, 1922, became a member of the Royal Mint's Advisory
Committee).
Design submissions in plaster were considered far more useful than drawings. The plaster model was more versatile insomuch that it could be
photographed and reduced to the actual medal size. This is one of five medallion plasters by Edward Carter Preston held by the Department
of Art, see also MEDP/3, MEDP/22-23 and MEDP/25
For a full description of this gallantry award and documentation details see catalogue record OMD 212 (British Orders, Medals and
Decorations) held by the Department of Exhibits and Firearms. | Publisher: | http://www.iwm.org.uk | Subjects: | medals / orders / decorations commemorative | Source: | Imperial War Museum | Creator: | Carter Preston, Edward | Identifier: | http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/o... | Go to resource |
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