The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force has acquired a remarkable collection of nose art and portraits by WWII artist Cpl. Tony Starcer, probably the best known and most prolific nose art painter of WWII, known for painting nearly 130 B-17 Flying Fortresses

The newly acquired Tony Starcer Collection includes 13 original oil-on-canvas paintings recreating his most memorable nose art designs.

“When I began looking for a home for my dad’s collection,” said Jerry Starcer, son of the artist, “I asked in various Facebook groups where people thought it should go. There were several suggestions, but one name kept coming up again and again—the Mighty Eighth in Savannah, GA. The oil paintings are now nearly 40 years old, and the V-mails are over 80.

“We wanted as much of the collection to remain together as possible,” said board member Mick Hanou. “This collection is a truly extraordinary addition to our museum,” added Tiffany Bueno, Research & Collections Manager at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. “Tony Starcer’s work not only reflects the artistic flair of the era but also offers a deeply human connection to the people and planes that shaped the air war over Europe.”

https://vintageaviationnews.com/aviation-museum-news/national-museum-of-the-mighty-eighth-air-force-acquires-historic-nose-art-collection-by-wwii-artist-cpl-tony-starcer.html