Engineers who paint are a rare breed, but this combination of talents gives Stuart Booth’s work a special dynamic.
As a result of his background as an aircraft structural specialist working on Concorde, his subjects really look as if they work.
“I fancied myself as a race-car designer,” says Stuart.
“My home drawing board was full of designs for complex Formula One engines, but my application to join Lotus got nowhere.”
Ronnie Peterson slides the JPS Lotus 72 at Monaco
Stuart worked at Thornton Aviation, where he witnessed Concorde’s first flight and its last.
When he was offered voluntary redundancy in the ’80s, he decided to go full-time as an artist.
“I had always produced drawings and paintings,” he says.
“My subjects included aviation, marine and rail, but motorsport remained my main inspiration.
“George Oliver’s illustrations in The Racing Car: Development & Design were a key reference, while Michael Turner was a big influence on me.
“I also admire Alfredo de la Maria’s style and sometimes try to copy his technique for moving wheels.”
Master of Spa artwork depicts Tony Brooks in the Vanwall (closest) and Roy Salvadori in the Cooper-Climax at La Source hairpin
