Artwork by artist Luke Crump, co-designed with students from across the Midlands, is now on display at RAF Museum Midlands as part of the Museum’s ongoing sitewide transformation.

Commissioned by the Museum, Luke has created a series of large-scale murals in his distinctive black and white illustrative art style for the external hoardings surrounding the Museum’s redevelopment works. The two eye-catching murals each offer a different glimpse into the Museum’s collection and future development plans.

The first mural focuses on the Museum’s planned new exhibition, featuring drawings of some of the key aircraft that will form part of the display. The exhibition will explore the Royal Air Force’s role over the past 40 years and into the future, brought to life through the collaborative artwork created by Luke and local students.

A second mural features an assortment of RAF artefacts, from uniforms and equipment to medals and lucky charms, all in Luke’s intricate style. The artwork reflects the wide range of objects that will eventually be moved from the Museum’s stored collection into a new Collections Hub where they will become accessible to the public for the first time.

As part of the project, students from St Mary’s Primary in Albrighton, Marsh Hill Primary in Birmingham, Castle House Primary in Telford, and Moreton Secondary in Wolverhampton, took part in artist-led workshops after spending time exploring the Museum hangars. Students drew inspiration from the Museum’s aircraft and object displays that span more than a century of RAF history, to create their own artwork under the guidance of Luke.

Their colourful drawings and names have been woven into the murals by Luke, allowing visitors to easily spot the students’ artwork throughout Luke’s distinctive black and white designs.

Michelle Worthington, Senior Communications Manager at RAF Museum said:

‘The hoarding art project reflects the Museum’s commitment to community engagement and involving local people in the Museum’s transformation. The murals are a wonderful addition to the site, combining Luke’s distinctive doodles with students’ drawings to help bring the RAF story to life. Through this collaborative art project, we have created an engaging way for visitors to learn more about our exciting redevelopment plans and how the site will expand over the next few years. We’re delighted that the artwork is now on display for everyone to enjoy.’

Artist Luke Crump, along with some of the students who took part in the project, returned to the Museum in September to see the finished murals for the first time. The artwork will remain on display throughout the Museum’s transformation programme, which is due to be completed in 2028.

Artist Luke Crump commented about the project:

‘It was a joy for me to be part of such a large project involving so many of the local schools and witnessing the amount of detail, dedication and designs produced by the enthusiastic students! Being asked to include so many pieces alongside my own work was certainly a challenge, however the finished murals are something I myself, and I hope students, are proud of to have on display for a number of years to come.’

Luke adds: ‘The highlight for me was witnessing the smiles and excitement from participating students (alongside their friends!) when we visited the finished pieces on display at the Museum in September, it made all the work truly worth it. The team at RAF Museum Midlands were an absolute pleasure to work with on the project, accommodating both my creative input, style and ideas. The location brought back many happy memories visiting the site with my grandparents – young Luke would not have believed his artwork would take ‘flight’ in such a way! I am very grateful for the opportunity.’

The hoarding art project forms part of the Museum’s wider Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme and has been made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Entry to the Museum is free of charge, open daily from 10.00am.