Pencil and gouache on paper

24.5 x 52 cm (9 3/4 x 20 1/2 in.)

During the Second World War Sorrell served in the RAF from 1940, where he was able to make first-hand visual records of the daily life in the Air Force.  26 of these pictures were acquired by the War Artists' Advisory Committee. This  on-the-spot drawing of the utilitarian buildings of an RAF camp.  The tilted perspective - much influenced by his experience of flying in the RAF - was later to become the hallmark of his post war  ‘reconstruction’ drawings of ancient sites, for which he built up a considerable reputation. The drawings and paintings combine his keen interest in history, and collaboration with archaeological and historical experts, with a vivid artistic imagination and sense of spatial awareness.