Icarus III by Michael Ayron, bronze

Although the career of Michael Ayrton – painter, sculptor, writer – defied neat categorisation, classical antiquity and its relevance to modern life was a recurring theme in his work.

The Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus had preoccupied him since the 1950s. He was inspired by travels to Italy and Greece, a ‘childhood passion for early aeronautics’, and his brief wartime service in the RAF. In this sculpture he represents Icarus poised for flight: torso tilted back and winged arms aloft. Ayrton believed that contemporary developments in jet aircraft and space shuttle flight echoed Icarus’ extreme desire to soar to new heights. Signed and editioned no. 1/3. Purchased from the Bruton Gallery in 1973. Copyright: the artist's estate / RAF Museum.