1963 Peter (Spike) Wademan
Born in 1946 Peter Wademan attended Mayfield between 1960 and 1963. In his teens, Peter was a member of the Air Cadets where he developed model making skills and an aptitude for drawing aircraft. His interest in aircraft and flying was nurtured by his father, who flew Spitfires in the war, taking him to air displays around London.
Following Art School, where Peter picked up the nick name ‘Spike’, he joined the prestigious London design studios of ‘The Design Group’. While working in the commercial world of advertising, Spike was also a member of the 44th Parachute Brigade. Through this he was able to maintain contact with aircraft and flying. Spike has exhibited at New Zealand’s ‘Warbirds over Wanaka’ air display.
Spike at work on his boat
Spike is probably unaware of the fact that appreciative commissioners of his work have commented on his abilities on the Internet. In a blog on Naval Art, Graeme Martin wrote: ‘Spike Wademan from Queenstown, New Zealand, is currently holding an exhibition in nearby Arrowtown. He is a very good marine artist and an excellent aviation artist. He has done a magnificent Tirpitz painting for me and also the Yamato on her last sortie. Apart from being a very good draftsman, his knowledge, research and understanding of wind, tide and what the ship looked like on any given day in her career is all important for a factual representation.’
Click on an image to enlarge
My pleasure to read about Spike Wademan. In addition to a mutual interest in aviation (current), and sailing (lapsed), I was almost certainly at the client end when he was with Design Group. We used the company on a regular basis whilst I was a creative in the ad agency business from the 50′s right through to 1993. Great to hear about a possible kindred spirit.
Les Tyler
Peter,
did you ever resolve whether the name of the twin engine plane was pronounced BOWfighter or BEWfighter. I remember some long arguments in class over the Beaufighter’s correct pronunciation. I much admire your talent and your ongoing work.
Regards John B
I have just tumbled upon the Mayfield site and it was with real pleasure that I saw your name and had instant recall of your remarkable skill as an artist. The way you quickly captured the essence of your subject was amazing. I remember you making pencil drawings of Elizabethan galleons and the texture you achieved in the woodwork and carvings made you smell the tar, canvass and salt air. It took me ages to draw anything – you drew so quickly with authority and expertise beyond your years …and so much better than me!
Well Peter I am delighted that you have made a splendid career of your talent.
Is that a picture of you or Francis Drake on board the sailing boat?
Kind regards
John