Aviation Art
1608. Jack Berry
Jack Berry, aged 14, from Sunderland, is an aviation enthusiast with autism who has illustrated a book on military planes in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Jack, who is also selectively mute, began using art as an emotional outlet during the Coronavirus pandemic, channeling his interest in planes into drawing Lancaster bombers, Spitfires and Tornados. Jack’s illustrations are now featured in a book, ‘Flying High in the Sunlit Silence’, which are accompanied by details explaining the history of each plane and helicopter, written by pilots and military experts. While Jack’s family do not have a military background, they chose for part of the proceeds from the book to go towards SSAFA’s Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF), a tri-Service group for current Serving families or individuals who have a child or adult dependent with an additional need and/or disability, ensuring Forces families with additional needs and disabilities receive the support they need.
In a personal letter to Jack, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Every day I write to thank somebody in our country for doing something special. Today that person is you!
“With your beautifully illustrated book, you have captured the majesty of our nation’s aviation history. From the restored NHS Spitfire which lit up our skies with the names of NHS heroes, to the splendour of the Red Arrows, your pictures tell uplifting stories all while raising important funds for SSAFA.”
Jack’s Mum Sara said:
“This is marvellous news for Jack and he is over the moon. For him, he just wanted to help people and do his part during the pandemic. Jack loves drawing and his drawings have pulled communities together on the whole. The book is a community project, we have had a number of letters from war veterans and as his mum I think it’s amazing that war veterans want to make friends with a child with autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism.”
Sir Andrew Gregory, Chief Executive of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, added:
“Jack has inspired everybody with whom he has come in contact; I and all in SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity salute him!”
Pictured below: Jack working on some of his illustrations
