Virginia Bader has passed away

[Warbirdnerd]

Glad my kids got to meet her a few years back at Oshkosh. My youngest still seeks out her booth each year.
I first met her back in 1988 when she was part of the Thunderbolt Pilots reunion at Planes of Fame East.


From the Rick Herter Art page
https://www.facebook.com/RickHerterArt

The Aviation Art world lost a legend today with the passing of my dear friend, Virginia Bader. For those of you who never met her, Virginia was the pioneering force that put Aviation Art on the map as a viable art genre' for decor and collectability. If you ever visited Oshkosh of Sun-in-Fun and toured the exhibit buildings you couldn't miss the Virginia Bader Fine Arts gallery booth. Most may not know this but in the 1970's Virginia began her career by loading up the trunk of a Ford Pinto and selling the famous Spitfire print by Barrie Clark at airshows around the United States. She eventually settled in Alexandria, VA and had a beautiful gallery on King St. in Alexandria. After many years on the East coast she opened a second gallery at the John Wayne, Orange County Airport in Southern California. She pioneered the concept of the 'Ace's signed' fine art print and weekend Ace's symposiums where the public could meet and hear famous aviators, combat pilots and historical figures share their stories.
Virginia began representing my work in the late 1980's and like many other aviation artists of the last 40 years, I would not have enjoyed the career I've had were it not for my dear friend.
I know that Virginia is probably sitting around a big table sharing a glass of wine with her dear friends, Robin Olds, Adolph Galland, and Chuck Yeager........just to name a few. Virginia, you'll leave an immeasurable hole in the lives of all who were your friends including mine. God Speed 'Ginny.' May all of your flying days be filled with sunshine, gentle breezes and your favorite wingmen flying escort, to your left and to your right.

[OD/NG]

Sad news, she, along with several others, are legends in the aviation art community. I had the pleasure of meeting her as a youngster at Oshkosh in the late 70's when she was just getting started. I remember she was a very fine lady and gave me all the time and attention to answer questions about aces and art prints from this snot-nosed pre-teenager. During this era, she was one of the first, if not the very first, who really brought fine aviation art work to the States and airshows/events and gave it the attention it deserved. At the time it was not uncommon for several W.W.II celebrities (Boyington, Gay, other Aces, etc.) to sell their art work at booths at Oshkosh, Harlingen, etc., but no real aviation art brokers/dealers who did it for the public in mass. I've been a customer of hers for 40+ years and as recently as a few years ago I bought a print from her studio. With that being said, I really didn't have any personal dealings with her over the last few decades, as everything was done over e-mail/internet.

I do remember that she was remotely connected to Douglas Bader, but I don't remember how. I hope her gallery keeps going on, not only in remembrance of her and her famous relative, but also to keep the legacy alive of the service she provided to the aviation art community and W.W.II history buffs such as myself.

My thoughts go out to her friends, family and relatives.

[Hooligan2]

I do remember that she was remotely connected to Douglas Bader, but I don't remember how.

Second cousin - that means they shared a great grandparent apparently!

(Recently discovered my mother's cousin who was four years younger than mum and died aged 90 (born 1926) was actually the same generation as me - nearly 40 years younger (born 1964)! I still haven't managed to quite work out the logistics of that one...)

[Lynn Allen]

So sad to hear as I would stop by her gallery at the Orange County airport while on a trip and load up. She was a very gracious person who help you in any way.

Lynn