Petra Sittig’s Artist’s Voice helps share the Spitfire Restoration Project’s story globally

Petra Sittig alongside Spitfire 5518's fuselage.

The Spitfire Restoration Project is proud to recognise the support of Petra Sittig, a passionate photographer and creator of The Artist’s Voice podcast. Her commitment to storytelling, preservation and the arts has helped bring the history and restoration of our project to a global audience.

Petra’s project, The Artist’s Voice, was born during the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, when she saw firsthand how isolation impacted her children—both ballet dancers at the Vienna State Opera—who were unable to practice their craft. What started as a small photography project capturing artists at their windows quickly transformed into a global movement, highlighting the struggles and resilience of the artistic community.

Through photography and interviews, Petra has given more than 500 artists—musicians, dancers, opera stars, and cultural ambassadors—a platform to be seen and heard. Her mission is simple: to tell important stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.

This same passion for preserving history and human creativity is what led Petra to support the Spitfire Restoration Project, using her skills to spotlight the people and work behind it.

In her mission to amplify meaningful stories, Petra has featured key members of the Spitfire Restoration Project on The Artist’s Voice, conducting interviews with:

🎙️ Col. Tony Smit who shares his aviation journey and the challenges and dedication required to restore the Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXe TE213.

🎙️ Cobus Toerien, a dedicated project committee member, discusses the technical aspects and historical significance of the aircraft.

Petra’s interviews do more than document the restoration process—they highlight the human passion, skill and perseverance that make this project possible.

A shared mission of preservation

Petra’s love for timeless storytelling started early. Born in South Africa, she received her first Kodak Instamatic camera at just 12 years old. Since then, her work has evolved into a lifelong journey of capturing moments that stand the test of time.

Much like the Spitfire Restoration Project, Petra’s work is about preserving history, honouring craftsmanship and ensuring stories live on for future generations. Whether through photography, interviews, or advocacy, her work brings attention to heritage and the people dedicated to safeguarding it.

On behalf of the entire Spitfire Restoration Project team, we thank Petra Sittig for her dedication, generosity and tireless efforts in bringing our story to the world. Her work helps ensure that the legacy of South Africa’s Spitfire is preserved—not just in the skies but in the hearts and minds of those who follow its journey.

Discover more of Petra’s work via this link: https://petrasittigphotography.com/

Watch Petra's interviews with our project team members: