A HOST of aviation-themed artwork will be shown at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum to mark this year's Bournemouth Air Festival.

David Bent, a leader in the world of modern aviation art, will be hosting an exhibition of work entitled Art in the Air from August 16 to October 16 at the museum on the cliff top.

The event has been organised following a three-year partnership between David and the annual Bournemouth Air Festival, which runs from August 18 to 21. This includes creating the cover design for this year's official festival brochure, which is available from a host of retailers around Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset.

David said: "I'm delighted to be at the wonderful Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum and hope that visitors enjoy seeing this collection of my paintings, many inspired by the Red Arrows.

"The exhibition includes WOW, which I painted during the 2014 Bournemouth Air Festival and a photo collage created in collaboration with students from AUB last summer.

"I look forward to completing my latest painting in situ at the stunning Russell-Cotes during this year’s excellent Air Festival."

Jon Weaver, Bournemouth Air Festival director, said: "We were truly excited to host David Bent as our first official artist in residence at the Air Festival.

"David is world renowned for his leading aviation artwork. We look forward to welcoming him back this year when David exhibits his outstanding work."

Over the past 15 years, David has been invited to collaborate with the Red Arrows, as well as having solo exhibitions at the RAF Museum in London and the Dubai and Al Ain Airshows in the UAE.

Sarah Newman, programmes officer at the Russell-Cotes said: "This new and compelling exhibition combines David’s aviation passion, colour, creativity, vibrancy and unique ability to capture the art of flight like no other."

Comprising of an art gallery, museum and historic house, a licensed café and a shop, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum features collections of high Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite Art of international-standing including Albert Moore’s Midsummer and Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s Venus Verticordia. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays between10am and 5pm.