Ron Belling was South Africa's foremost aviation artists who produced 1650 paintings during his lifetime, of which 500 are aviation subjects. Many of these are exhibited at the Ron Belling Art Gallery, dedicated to his memory in Port Elizabeth.
Ron Belling was born in East London on March 26, 1933. As a small boy, he was already captivated by the power and speed of aircraft, and the magnitude of huge ocean liners. This interest never changed. After his death, a few of his early childhood drawings were found which reflect artistic talent and observational skills which were well in advance of his years.
Belling's reputation as an aeronautical artist was well established, even overseas, but few were aware that he was also a highly accomplished marine artist. Before his death, he completed, amongst others, over a hundred superb paintings of magnificent passenger liners that frequented our ports.
Gallery hours:
Monday - Friday: 10:00 -16:00
