Virgin Atlantic launches first in-flight art gallery
January 21, 2013
Art buffs will now get the chance to cast their eyes over an array of creations from up-and-coming artists at 35,000 feet, after Virgin Atlantic announced the launch of its first in-flight art gallery. (Featured image by Virgin Atlantic)
The Gallery in the Air, thought to be the first of its kind, will exhibit a selection of art works for Upper Class airline passengers from a featured artist.
The artwork will also be on display at Virgin Atlantic’s clubhouses in London Heathrow, JFK and Newark airports.
Passengers will be able to take a virtual tour of the Gallery in the Air, where they can also get an insight into the artist at work, as well as opting to buy the wares on offer, should the mood strike them.
The Gallery in the Air. Image by Virgin Atlantic
London-based artist Ben Eine will be the first to exhibit at the onboard art gallery from February 1 to 28. He’ll be showcasing his trademark bright canvases featuring alphabet lettering. Eine’s works are priced between £2,500 and £15,000.
Prime Minister David Cameron has already given Eine his seal of approval after presenting one of his works as a gift to US President Barack Obama on an official state visit in 2010.
Eine said: “We have created a completely original way of appreciating and buying art – a new frontier for the industry.
“I respect Virgin Atlantic’s brave and challenging attitude and the way it goes against the grain, so I jumped at the chance to be part of the first ever Gallery in the Air.
The Gallery in the Air. Image by Virgin Atlantic
“My philosophy through all my work, be it on canvas or on the street, is about pushing boundaries and not simply going with the flow because everyone else is doing something a certain way.”
The Gallery in the Air forms part of a £100 million investment in the airline’s Upper Class cabin that was made last year.
Virgin Boss Sir Richard Branson added: “I am a huge fan of Ben’s work and like us, he does things differently and doesn’t follow the crowd.
“We’re delighted to be working with him, mixing things up a bit and having a bit of fun along the way.”
Oonagh Shiel
Content Manager at Cheapflights whose travel life can be best summed up as BC (before children) and PC (post children). We only travel during the school holidays so short-haul trips and staycations are our specialities!
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