Aviation Panorama

The Aviation Panorama map by F. E. Cheeseman, created in 1943, is a striking and vibrant piece of wartime illustration that reflects the intense enthusiasm for aviation during World War II. As a pictorial history of American aviation, the map serves as both an educational tool and a patriotic tribute to the rapid advancements in flight technology. Set against a backdrop of the continental United States, the artwork showcases a diverse array of aircraft, including military bombers, fighter planes, transport aircraft, and historical prototypes. The inclusion of squadron insignia, aviation heroes, and notable aviation firsts underscores the map’s role in fostering public admiration for the U.S. military and its air power.

This map was produced during a crucial time in World War II when aviation played a decisive role in combat and logistics. By 1943, the U.S. Army Air Forces and the U.S. Navy had become dominant forces in the skies, with aircraft such as the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and the North American P-51 Mustang proving instrumental in the war effort. The Aviation Panorama celebrates these machines, highlighting their capabilities and the regions where they were manufactured or tested. The inclusion of earlier aircraft, including the Wright brothers' Flyer, places modern aviation within a broader historical context, reinforcing the idea that American ingenuity and perseverance led to its aerial supremacy.

Notably, this map was commissioned by the Albert Richard Company, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of outerwear and sportswear. During World War II, many clothing companies contributed to the war effort by producing military uniforms and aviation gear. By sponsoring this map, Albert Richard aligned itself with the patriotic fervor of the era while also marketing to young men who aspired to join the armed forces. The artwork reflects the company’s awareness of how aviation captivated the American imagination, serving as both a visual spectacle and an aspirational artifact.

F. E. Cheeseman’s artistic style enhances the map’s appeal, with its colorful, dynamic illustrations that evoke excitement and movement. The detailed renderings of aircraft, set against the rugged topography of the United States, create an engaging visual experience. The decorative borders, filled with insignia, additional aircraft, and military symbols, further enrich the design, making it not just a map but a piece of collectible wartime memorabilia.

Overall, Aviation Panorama is a remarkable historical document that encapsulates the spirit of 1943—an era of conflict, innovation, and national pride. It is both a celebration of aviation's past and a tribute to the pilots and engineers who were shaping its future.