Revisiting the Battle of Barking Creek, 6 September 1939 Royal Air Force Museum 2026-09-28 | Revisiting the Battle of Barking Creek, 6 September 1939
Horrible Histories: Up in the Air Adventure at our Midlands site. Royal Air Force Museum 2023-08-08 | Horrible Histories is coming to the RAF Museum Midlands this summer. Experience the (sometimes gruesome) history of flight in our Horrible Hangar, meet fearless and foolish flyers from the history of flight, and solve the clues in this fully interactive experience for all the family.For full details, please visit our website at: rafmuseum.org.uk/horriblehistories
Introducing Horrible Histories: Up in the Air Adventure Royal Air Force Museum 2023-06-08 | Horrible Histories is coming to the RAF Museum this summer. Experience the (sometimes gruesome) history of flight in our Horrible Hangars - one at each of our sites. Meet fearless and foolish flyers from the history of flight. Then solve the clues in this fully interactive experience for all the family.For further details and ticket prices, visit our website at: rafmuseum.org/horriblehistoriesand get ready for take off!
Under The Radar: Avro Lancaster and the Dambuster raid Royal Air Force Museum 2023-05-21 | Our popular Under The Radar series have returned. As an exclusive we'll take you on board our #AvroLancaster S-for-Sugar to tell the story of the famous #Dambuster Raid of 1943, breaking the dams of the Ruhr valley in western Germany.The story of the #Dambusters and much more is told in our new #BomberCommand exhibition. And if you want to get up close to our aircraft, attend exclusive members-only events and enjoy discounts at our shop and restaurant, consider becoming a member rafmuseum.org.uk/members(text and narration by Kris Hendrix, filming and video editing by Edd Green)
A Song For Ukraine - Royal Air Force Museum Midlands Version Royal Air Force Museum 2023-05-13 | This evening, 13 May 2023, Liverpool will host the final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest! 🎉🕺💛💙As part of a global moment of solidarity with Ukraine 💙💛, the RAF Museum Midlands would like to present our Help Ukraine Song – ‘With a little help from my friends’ first recorded by four Liverpool lads, The Beatles, in 1967. 🎸🎵🎹We would like to thank our friends from the Cosford Military Wives Choir for their brilliant vocal performance. Filmed at the Museum, the video also features students from Warren Farm Primary School and High Legh Primary School PTAl, along with Museum staff and volunteers. 👏#HelpUkraineSong @HelpUkraineSong
A Song for Ukraine - Royal Air Force Museum London Version Royal Air Force Museum 2023-05-13 | This evening, 13 May 2023, Liverpool will host the final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest! 🎉🕺💛💙As part of a global moment of solidarity with Ukraine 💙💛, the RAF Museum London would like to present our Help Ukraine Song– ‘With a little help from my friends’ first recorded by four Liverpool lads, The Beatles, in 1967. 🎸🎵🎹We would like to give a MASSOOVIVE thank you to our friends from Goodwyn School Barnet Choir 👏 for their totally brilliant performance. You guys rock 🤸♀️🤸♂️🤸goodwyn-school.co.uk#HelpUkraineSong @HelpUkraineSong
Wellington move from the MBCC to its new home Royal Air Force Museum 2023-05-12 | After a 10 year restoration programme our Wellington aircraft has now moved from the Sir Michael Beetham Conservation Centre back onto public display into the War in the Air Hangar at our Midlands site. Our team of technicians and conservators will be spending the next couple of weeks attaching the huge 31ft outer wings, engines, propellers and front turret to the aircraft. Members of the public will be able to view some of the final steps towards its completion as the Museum’s Conservation team work within the hangar, in time for the opening of our new Bomber Command exhibition on 16 May.
The story of the Centurion main battle tank Royal Air Force Museum 2023-04-12 | Cameron talks about the Centurion tank in the National Cold War exhibition at the RAF Museum Midlands. rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/centurion
Merlin Engine Demo, coming this May Half Term. Royal Air Force Museum 2023-04-04 | Drop in to our London site during May Half Term 2023 for this spectacular and loud free demonstration. Book your free timed entry now at: rafmuseum.org.uk/london
Bristol Blenheim and Arthur Scarf VC Royal Air Force Museum 2023-03-29 | In this video, our Head of Collections, Dr Harry Raffal tells the story of the Bristol Blenheim and Arthur Scarf. We are currently running a fundraising appeal to keep his Victoria Cross in the U.K.Can you help us keep Arthur Scarf's VC from going abroad by spreading the word.Please share the story with your family and friends and on your Facebook, twitter and social media. If you would like to make a donation please go to our GoFundMe page at: gofundme.com/f/save-the-scarf-vcEvery contribution will play a part and no donation is too small to make a difference.Thank you in advance for your assistance. #SaveTheScarfVC
Thank you for your support in 22 Royal Air Force Museum 2022-12-19 | 2022 has been a momentous year for the Museum as we celebrate our fiftieth anniversary. In this short film we look back at our achievements during 2022 and give a preview of what is in store for both our London and Midlands sites in 2023 and beyond.We would not have been able to achieve what we have done without the support that we have enjoyed over the last 12 months. So, we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the Museum, either through visiting us, by purchasing an item from our online shop, by making an online donation or recommending to colleagues, family and friends that they participate in one of our public or charitable events.We would also like to give a massive thank you to those of our partners both public and anonymous who have worked alongside us on key projects over the last year.Without your assistance we would not have been able to keep flying during the past difficult 12 months. Thank you.If you would like to help us keep flying in 2023 , here are some suggestions as to how you may be able to do so: https://lnkd.in/evufHmcz
This Festive Season create a new tradition Royal Air Force Museum 2022-12-19 | The Royal Air Force Museum London will be open daily from 10.00am throughout the Festive Season apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day (24 - 26 December 2022 and 1 January 2023).So if the thought of hitting the sales or having yet another afternoon watching the goggle-box with your nearest and dearest leaves you cold, why not create a new festive tradition and drop in for a visit.Admission to our Hangars and Galleries is free of charge. Book your free entry now and get ready for a festive take-off!rafmuseum.org.uk/london
How did they do that - The Avro Rota Autogyro Suspension Royal Air Force Museum 2022-11-19 | By 1934, the autogyro form of aircraft, developed by Señor Juan de la Cierva, a Spaniard, was sufficiently advanced for the Royal Air Force to order a small number of C-30As for evaluation on army co-operation duties. However, by the outbreak of World War Two they had been allocated for use by a highly secret unit engaged on ground radar calibration duties.The C-30A was the most widely produced Cierva autogyro design. Avro built the type under licence, as the Avro Type 671 Rota, both for the civil and military market.Evaluation of the type took place at the School of Army Co-operation at RAF Old Sarum. Neither the C-30A, nor the later C-40, was adopted by the Royal Air Force as an observation or communication aircraft, but the development of ground radar, and in particular the need for a slow-flying aircraft for its calibration, meant the Rota had a valuable wartime role.When you visit our London site, you can now walk under our Avro Rota Autogyro as you enter Hangars 3,4,5. In this short film we show how we did it.
Adopt An Artefact - The Queens Pen Royal Air Force Museum 2022-11-18 | This pen was held and used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for the opening of the Royal Air Force Museum on the 15th of November 1972. This object was donated by Group Captain Peter Clubbe, OBE RAF (Ret'd), Officer Commanding Royal Air Force Hendon in 1972-75, in 1993 to mark the twenty-first anniversary of the opening of the Museum. He recalled the following. “Why such an inconspicuous pen? Headquarters Maintenance Command had loaned an ornate silver pen stand and quill pen to be used at the Royal Opening. About 1.00pm on the day a very flustered Flight Lieutenant i/c Ceremony arrived in my office with the news that the Palace had advised that the Queen would not use a quill pen. What was he to do? (The Queen was due to arrive at 3.00pm). I advised him that he could either go up and down the Edgware Road looking for a replacement pen (with most of the shops closed for lunch) or he could take my new pen from my office desk. He took my pen! It has not been used since.” This artefact resides in our Stafford store as part of our Reserve Collection, with thousands of other objects. It was chosen by our Curator of Reserve Collections, Ewen Cameron. We have big plans to move our reserve collection to the RAF Museum Midlands site. To adopt this artefact, please visit our website at: rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/adopt-an-artefact
Adopt An Artefact - A Photograph Album of RAF Hendon Royal Air Force Museum 2022-11-17 | The Museum ’s London site was built on land which had formed part of the original airfield at Hendon built by Claude Grahame-White in the 1910s and which later became RAF Hendon. The photographs within these albums not only capture images of Hendon in the late 1960s and early 1970s but also that point in time where the station’s role was changing, with some of the photographs showing workers in the process of knocking down the original entrance to RAF Hendon. The airfield itself would soon be covered by the Grahame-White housing estate and the RAF Museum would open in November 1972. Images also show the Duke of Edinburgh - the Museum’s Patron, when alive – making a visit during its construction which took place around two original 1917 hangars – features of which can still be seen within the galleries today. The photograph albums were selected by our Archives and Library Manager, Nina Hadaway. They are part of our extensive collection of archive material which includes personal papers, log books, aircraft records, site plans and many more items.Adopt them now by visiting our website at: rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/adopt-an-artefact
Adopt An Artefact - Air Raid by Cyril Power Royal Air Force Museum 2022-11-16 | Cyril Power created this linocut print of a biplane ‘dog fight’ as a visual representation of his service in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. Power supervised aircraft repairs at Lympne Aerodrome, Kent where he developed the print in four lino-block colour separations of red, light blue, grey and dark blue from a wartime sketch. After his service, Power retrained as an artist at the Grosvenor School of Modern Art and tutor Claude Flight, who later led the modernist movement of linocut printing. This artwork was acquired by the Museum's inaugural Director, John Tanner, in the mid 70s. The print now hangs in 'To the Stars: Illuminating the Art Collection in 50 Works' in London's Art Gallery. You can visit this exhibition during Museum opening hours for free. This artefact was chosen for our 50th Birthday special edition by our Art Curator, Julia Beaumont-Jones. Adopt it now by visiting our website at: rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/adopt-an-artefact
Adopt An Artefact - Film of HM Queen opening the Museum Royal Air Force Museum 2022-11-15 | This remarkable footage was recorded by one of the Museum’s curators in 1972. The film documents the official opening of the RAF Museum London (RAF Hendon) by Her Majesty the Queen, on the 15 November 1972. Upon her arrival, Her Majesty signed the Guest Book and unveils the Commemorative plaque that remains the foyer of Hangar 3. The pen used by Her Majesty in the film is also another one of 50th Anniversary Adopt An Artefact Objects. This artefact is part of our digital collection and was chosen by our Curator of Film and Sound, Ewan Burnett. Adopt it now by visiting our website at: rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/adopt-an-artefact
Adopt An Artefact - The Boulton Paul Defiant Royal Air Force Museum 2022-11-14 | Take this extraordinary chance to adopt our Boulton Paul Defiant Mk I, for our 50th anniversary. Now the sole surviving intact example of its type, originally set aside for preservation in September 1944! It was unpacked in 1960 and spent many years on display at the RAF Museum London (then Hendon). The Defiant now resides at our Midlands site, which is a fitting home for an aircraft manufactured in Wolverhampton. The Defiant was a two-seat turret fighter which operated with mixed fortunes during the Battle of Britain period. It found its niche as a night fighter in the 1940-42 period, as well as extensive use later in the war for air-sea rescue and target tug roles in the UK and Middle and Far East. N1671 was taken on RAF charge in August 1940 and operated by No 307 (Polish) Squadron RAF from September 1940, being operational from December 1940 after working up and training. The last operational user was No 285 (Anti Aircraft Co-Operation) Squadron from June 1942. This artefact was selected by our Curator of Large Objects, Tom Hopkins. It is part of our large object collection which includes, air frames, boats, engines and more.Adopt it now by visiting our website at: rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/adopt-an-artefact
Flying For Britain Royal Air Force Museum 2022-11-13 | Flying for Britain' is a drama-documentary that follows Johnny Smythe from Sierra Leone, West Africa, to recruitment into the wartime RAF and his experiences of combat flying as the navigator of a Stirling Bomber.In June 1948, Flight Lieutenant Smythe was the Welfare Officer on board the Empire Windrush, and the film explores the crucial role he played in shaping modern Britain. The drama also highlights other notable RAF personnel Sam King and Baron Baker's contribution to the Windrush legacy.Trailer by Will Adams. Film Editor: Yasmin Safieddine. Cinematographer: Turab Shah. Camera Operator: Megan Bennett. Script Editor: Peter Devitt, Lighting Director: Reiko Nagayoshi. Sound Operator: Jake Pentland. Assistant Producer: Debbie Nyman. Runners: Serena Waya and Preye Chante Zuofa. Director: Amanda EpeStaring: Ricardo P Lloyd, Ryan Yengo, Abdoulah M Jones and Eddy Smythe.Cast: Will Adams, Chiara Finlayter, Felicity Bradfield, Jana Bujnakova, and Kehziah Toussaint.Produced in partnership with RAFM and sponsored by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Introducing the Royal Air Force Museum London Royal Air Force Museum 2022-10-21 | Searching for a great day out? Look no further. The Royal Air Force Museum London offers a great family day out for members of the whole family, and best of all admission is free to our galleries, grounds and hangars. For further details and to book your free timed entry - advisable during busy periods such as half terms and weekends - please visit our website at: rafmuseum.org/london Don't forget to also pre-book your car-parking or our 4D Theatre to receive a discount.We look forward to welcoming you.
Official Trailer for Flying for Britain Royal Air Force Museum 2022-10-13 | 'Flying for Britain' is a drama-documentary that follows Johnny Smythe from Sierra Leone, West Africa, to recruitment into the wartime RAF and his experiences of combat flying as the navigator of a Stirling Bomber.In June 1948, Flight Lieutenant Smythe was the Welfare Officer on board the Empire Windrush, and the film explores the crucial role he played in shaping modern Britain. The drama also highlights other notable RAF personnel Sam King and Baron Baker's contribution to the Windrush legacy.Film Premiere is at 11.00 am on 11 November 2022 at Westminster City Hall.Trailer by Will Adams. Film Editor: Yasmin Safieddine. Cinematographer: Turab Shah. Camera Operator: Megan Bennett. Script Editor: Peter Devitt, Lighting Director: Reiko Nagayoshi. Sound Operator: Jake Pentland. Assistant Producer: Debbie Nyman. Runners: Serena Waya and Preye Chante Zuofa. Director: Amanda EpeStaring: Ricardo P Lloyd, Ryan Yengo, Abdoulah M Jones and Eddy Smythe.Cast: Will Adams, Chiara Finlayter, Felicity Bradfield, Jana Bujnakova, and Kehziah Toussaint.Produced in partnership with RAFM and sponsored by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.To attend the premiere for free, please visit: eventbrite.com/e/armistice-day-talk-pilots-of-the-caribbean-with-peter-devitt-raf-curator-tickets-425802916987
In memoriam Royal Air Force Museum 2022-09-16 | We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family at this moment.The RAF Museum will be open during this period of national mourning, and we have books of condolences available at both our sites until 25 September. Visitors should note however, that some of our experiences will be closed during this time.As a mark of respect, both of our sites in London and the Midlands will be closed on the day of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral, Monday 19 September 2022.
Bravo November, the Incredible Survivor Royal Air Force Museum 2022-05-19 | In this video Museum Curator Tom Hopkins narrates the story of Chinook Bravo November during the Falklands Conflict and gives some additional insights into how the helicopter was transported to our Midlands site at Cosford. #Falklands40
Welcome to the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands Royal Air Force Museum 2022-05-17 | The RAF Museum Midlands offers a fun, entertaining day out for all the family. Entry is free and we’re open daily from 10.00am.Discover the amazing stories of those who have served in the RAF. Housed in our wartime hangars and in the National Cold War Exhibition you will find a fantastic display of aircraft and exhibits. Learn about the bravery of pilots in Test Flight and see the last surviving example of the Boulton Paul Defiant Mk 1 in War in the Air. The National Cold War Exhibition will astound and amaze with audio-visual hot-spots that bring to life key moments from our recent history such as the fall of the Berlin Wall.Other facilities on-site include a Changing Places Toilet in our Visitor Centre, Baby Changing facilities in each of our Hangars, plus an outdoor playground that is open daily from 10.00am.To book your free timed entry please visit: rafmuseum.org.uk/midlandsWe look forward to welcoming you to the 2022 West Midlands Tourism Awards Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.
Freedom Fighters Workshop: Afternoon Session, 20 November 2021 Royal Air Force Museum 2022-04-14 | On 20 November 2021 the Royal Air Force Museum held a special one day workshop at its London site where it explored the lives of the African, Caribbean, South Asian and Irish volunteers who proudly served in the RAF despite many of these individuals being opposed to British rule in their home countries. Speakers at this workshop included Sunday Times best-selling author Shrabani Basu and Dr Joseph Quinn, a specialist on Britain and Ireland during the Second World War.As well as exploring the diverse nature of those who served in the RAF the panel also critically examined the motivations of those who fought in the RAF and identified a complexity that is marginalised in British Military History.The event was moderated by Dr Harry Raffal the Royal Air Force Museum's Historian.Three volunteers were considered in detail: Noor Inayat Khan from India; Errol Walton Barrow from Barbados; and Irishman Robert Gregory. In this video we broadcast the afternoon session where we focus open the life of Errol Walton Barrow and also those Indian Pilots who flew with the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force during the First World War. The ‘Freedom Fighters’ workshop was supported by the Institute of Historical Research
Freedom Fighters Workshop: Morning Session, 20 November 2021 Royal Air Force Museum 2022-04-14 | On 20 November 2021 the Royal Air Force Museum held a special one day workshop at its London site where it explored the lives of the African, Caribbean, South Asian and Irish volunteers who proudly served in the RAF despite many of these individuals being opposed to British rule in their home countries. Speakers at this workshop included Sunday Times best-selling author Shrabani Basu and Dr Joseph Quinn, a specialist on Britain and Ireland during the Second World War.As well as exploring the diverse nature of those who served in the RAF the panel also critically examined the motivations of those who fought in the RAF and identified a complexity that is marginalised in British Military History.The event was moderated by Dr Harry Raffal the Royal Air Force Museum's Historian.Three volunteers were considered in detail: Noor Inayat Khan from India; Errol Walton Barrow from Barbados; and Irishman Robert Gregory. In this video we broadcast the morning session.The ‘Freedom Fighters’ workshop was supported by the Institute of Historical Research
Cosfords Top 5 Aircraft with Rob Bell Royal Air Force Museum 2022-03-10 | Rob Bell, TV Presenter and Engineer, presents The Institution of Mechanical Engineers Top 5 Aircraft at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, looking at what makes an aircraft an engineering success. Follow Rob’s journey through the Museum hangars, as he takes a closer look at five amazing aircraft, and five examples of outstanding engineering. Let us know in the comments below what your top 5 aircraft would be, and why. To view these aircraft, and more, visit the RAF Museum Cosford. Pre-book your arrival time online at bit.ly/3CyS8O4 . Entry is free. Discover the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and find out more about an exciting career in engineering: imeche.org/careers-education/careers-information.
Introducing the National Cold War Exhibition at the RAF Museum Midlands Royal Air Force Museum 2022-02-17 | If you've been away from our Midlands site for a while here is a reminder of the aircraft displays that await you on your next visit. These spectacular views and fly through the National Cold War Exhibition hangar were filmed during lockdown by RAF Photographer Sgt Graham Taylor and Sgt Ralph Merry. We hope you like the footage as much as we do, and if it’s got you excited about paying us a visit, don’t forget to pre-book your arrival time online at rafmuseum.org. Entry is free! We'd like to give special thanks to our brilliant friends at Royal Air Force Cosford for making the filming possible and for suggesting the powerful track that accompanies this film.Track: FormantX - Emerald Dream [NFS Copyright]Watch: youtu.be/2dk4S5qtAEIFree Download: ID
Calling all Year 9 Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Teachers (STEM).... Royal Air Force Museum 2022-02-15 | Calling all Year 9 STEM Teachers, our Summer Time Advance Aerospace Residency (STAAR) is back for 2023! Applications open for the STAAR competition on 27 Feb, with the competition launching on 7 March.Winning schools will be chosen to attend a one-of-a-kind STEM residential held at RAF Cosford! For further details please visit our website at: bit.ly/3oPbPLKSTAAR is funded by the Northrop Grumman Corporation and in partnership with Royal Air Force Cosford and Tablet Academy UK
Welcome to the Royal Air Force Museum London Royal Air Force Museum 2022-02-13 | Mum, Dad why not take your younger family members on a visit to the RAF Museum London? There's loads for your little ones to see and do, and admission to our galleries and hangars is free. Pre-book your timed entry tickets now at: https://rb.gy/6jilsn Get ready for take-off! Car parking available on-site, charges apply for this and some experiences.
The Vulcan Challenge is now open. Royal Air Force Museum 2022-01-15 | 2022's Vulcan Challenge is now open. Take part in this Challenge and get moving to keep us flying! Choose your distance and soar your way to 100km, 250km or 500 km.You now have until 14 April to complete the Challenge and be rewarded with a bespoke medal featuring the iconic aircraft. And if you’re completing the challenge with your furry four-legged friend, there’s even a pet tag medal for them too.For further details please visit our website: rafmuseum.org.uk/virtual-events/the-vulcan-challenge
Cosfords Playground - The Test Flight! Royal Air Force Museum 2021-08-18 | Over several months, Junior Reporters from Albrighton Primary School have followed the development of the Museum’s airfield-inspired playground at every step of the way. In this final report from the school children, they get to test-fly it with all their friends. Watch the playground come to life in this special report and see the fun through their eyes, as they climb over the mini hangar and slide down the mock Victor aircraft. Discover what the children loved most, as the reporters interview their fellow classmates. Huge thank you to Albrighton Primary School for all their support and brilliant reporting, we hope you had fun! Pre-book your tickets to test fly our new RAF themed playground from 17 May onwards: rafmuseum.org.uk Entry is free!
In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz - Middlesex University Works Royal Air Force Museum 2021-06-27 | Creatively responding to our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’, Middlesex University’s BA Fine Art and MA Printmaking students, with Associate Professor Steve Mumberson, have produced an incredible range of works, on display at the Museum. The project began with a drawing workshop in which a selection of war art works were shown and discussed.Students made drawings after them in different media, before developing their ideas and work at the University. Steve describes how the students approached the project, finding sometimes unexpected connections with war art subjects. The display in Hangar 3 features prints in all media from monoprint to digital, as well as paintings and reliefs.To view them, please book your free museum entry at rafmuseum.org.uk/london. Admission to the exhibition is included as part of your general admission to the Museum.
In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz - Drawing from Everyday Life Royal Air Force Museum 2021-06-21 | For our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ artist Michael Broughton discusses drawing witnessed encounters, including difficult subjects one must come to terms with.Broughton finds that drawing – therefore scrutinising – everyday encounters enables one to develop a greater empathy with situations around them: ‘Your life is not your choice in the sense that experiences happen to you over and above your wanting – drawing is a way of coming to terms with looking at something…a way of not turning away’. Featuring works by Olga Lehmann, Robert Austin and Claude Rowberry. To see works featured in the exhibition why not consult our Collections Online here: collections.rafmuseum.org.ukAlternatively, you can now view the exhibition in person at our London site. Admission to the exhibition is part of your free entry. To pre-book your timed ticket, please visit: rafmuseum.org/london
In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz - Eric Kennington Royal Air Force Museum 2021-06-13 | In our latest release for our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ art historian Dr Jonathan Black (Kingston University) discusses Official War Artist Eric Kennington’s portraits of ‘The Few’ from the RAF Fighter and Bomber Commands. Kennington received a long-term commission with the Air Ministry where he spent two years producing portraits of high-ranking servicemen, portraying them as square-jawed heroes, fresh from action. Some of the men he represented died within months of sitting for their portraits, while others went on to achieve lengthy distinguished careers with the RAF. To see works featured in the exhibition, including Eric Kennington’s portraits, why not consult our Collections Online here: collections.rafmuseum.org.ukEntry to the exhibition (in Hangar 3’s Art Gallery), and to the Museum, is free of charge. To pre-book your timed entry, please visit: rafmuseum.org.uk/londonInterview by Curator Julia Beaumont-Jones
In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain & the Blitz - Steven Mumberson, Inspired by Elva Royal Air Force Museum 2021-06-06 | In our latest video for our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ printmaker Stephen Mumberson, Middlesex University, makes a woodcut print inspired by war artist Elva Blacker’s ‘Filter Room’ (1944), demonstrating a Japanese printing technique.His print ‘Women in War’ (2020) features in a related display of works by Fine Art and Printmaking students and staff from Middlesex University.To see works featured in the exhibition why not consult our Collections Online here: collections.rafmuseum.org.ukEntry to the exhibition (in Hangar 3's Art Gallery) and to the Museum is free of charge. To pre-book your timed entry, please visit: rafmuseum.org.uk/london
In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz - Walter Nesslers Premonition Royal Air Force Museum 2021-06-06 | In a 1978 IWM interview the emigre artist Walter Nessler explains how he conceived of his imagined London Blitz painting ‘Premonition’ (1937) soon after he fled Dresden for London. This painting is part of our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ which will be reopening on 17 May. In this interview Nessler recounts how in Dresden he witnessed preparations for war. Soon after arriving in London and following the Fascist-Nazi bombing of Guernica in April, he considered a German invasion likely, which he explained to his English friends. He recalls their disbelief: “They thought I was mad! That won’t happen here”. Mindful of Picasso’s painting ‘Guernica’, Nessler painted ‘Premonition’ upon imagining London under attack, believing that civilians would face gas attacks.To view this painting and others in our exhibition please book your free general admission with us at www.rafmuseum.org. Entry to this exhibition is included as part of your admission ticket.Interview reproduced by kind permission of the Imperial War Museum (c) IWM 2020.
In Air and Fire:War Artists, The Battle of Britain & the Blitz - Drawing from Olga Lehmann Royal Air Force Museum 2021-05-31 | In our latest video for our London exhibition For our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’, artist Michael Broughton, whose focus is drawing and painting, discusses his process of repeatedly depicting everyday environs to become familiar with his subjects, and how copying other artists’ drawings enables him to look more closely at their work and understand their approaches more intimately. He draws from a pen and ink drawing ‘Spanish Refugees Being Fitted with Gas Masks’ (1940) by painter and illustrator Olga Lehmann (1912-2001), featured in the exhibition. Interviewed by Curator Julia Beaumont-Jones.To view the exhibition in person pre-book your free timed entry at: rafmuseum.org.uk/londonTo see works featured in the exhibition why not consult our Collections Online here: collections.rafmuseum.org.uk
In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz - Architecture and Memory Royal Air Force Museum 2021-05-23 | In this video for our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ artist Anne Desmet explains how centuries-old architecture, such as St Paul’s Cathedral, could symbolise continuity and change, not least during the Blitz. Citing as inspiration the vapour trails from Paul Nash’s painting ‘The Battle of Britain’, she describes how her wood engravings of St Paul’s represent in stages the diurnal passing of time, from dusk until dawn, with contrails and aircraft, stars and sunlight. These might be Blitz scenes or from today. Desmet explains how epic views rarely feature the human figure – architecture alone may convey wider spans of time and history while still evoking the atmosphere and mood of a human presence.‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ is now open daily from 10:00am. Entry is free as part of your general free admission to our London site. To pre-book your timed entry ticket, please visit rafmuseum.org/londonTo see works featured in the exhibition why not consult our Collections Online here: collections.rafmuseum.org.uk
RAF Rugby 7s: 500 Kms in 24 Hours - Museum CEO Maggie Appleton Talks to Squadron Leader Rory Wood. Royal Air Force Museum 2021-05-17 | On Friday 21 May 2021 the RAF Rugby 7s' cycling team will set off from the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, cycling 135km to Derwent Reservoir, Derbyshire, where they will join their running team who will be completing relay laps of the reservoir. Their aim is to complete 500kms in 24 hrs.In this video Maggie Appleton, our CEO, talks to Squadron Leader Rory Wood who alongside his Rugby 7’s team is undertaking an epic version of the Lancaster Challenge to support the RAF Museum. In it they talk about the significance of remembering those who were involved in Bomber Command and the challenge ahead.If you would like to support the Rugby 7’s in their efforts to raise money for the RAF Museum and donate on their Just Giving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/spitfiresrunagainIf you would like to find out more about the RAF Rugby 7 members taking part in this extraordinary take on the #LancasterChallenge2021 on our website: rafmuseum.org.uk/virtual-events/the-lancaster-challenge-2021/raf-rugby-7sWe will keep you updated about their progress on the day.
In Air and Fire: War Artists, The Battle of Britain and the Blitz - Todays War Ruins Royal Air Force Museum 2021-05-16 | Relating to ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’, artist Deanna Petherbridge discusses her triptych drawings about the Syrian war ‘The Destruction of the City of Homs’ (2016, Tate Collection) and ‘The Destruction of the City of Palmyra’ (2017).Using the concepts of ‘domicide’ and ‘urbicide’, she considers architectural ruins in the contexts of violence against the city and the destruction of people’s homes. Such terms may also contextualise the bomb-damaged buildings of the Second World War and artists’ approaches to representing them. Besides Petherbridge’s own works, the film features the paintings about the London Blitz by Claude Rowberry, Walter Nessler and Gladys Baker. Interview: Julia Beaumont-JonesIf you would like to view ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ pre-book your free timed entry at rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/events/in-air-and-fire-war-artists-the-battle-of-britaiAlternatively, to see works featured in the exhibition why not consult our Collections Online here: collections.rafmuseum.org.uk
Get Ready For Take-Off! Royal Air Force Museum 2021-05-02 | The Royal Air Force Museum will be reopening its doors to the public on 17 May. We can't wait to welcome you!In this short video, we walk you through our ticketing system and also explain what we are doing to ensure that you have a safe day out, a great day out.Booking your free entry is as simple as 1, 2, 3.Your first step - visit our website rafmuseum.org.
In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz - Elva Blackers Filter Room Royal Air Force Museum 2021-05-02 | Although our doors are currently closed at the moment, we will be reopening our London art exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ on 17 May.In this video artist Stephen Mumberson, Associate Professor of Painting and Printmaking, Middlesex University, discusses the compositional approach of the ink drawing ‘Filter Room’ (1944) by artist Elva Blacker (1908- 84), who after her studies at the Slade School of Fine Art (1936-39) served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as an Aircraftswoman at RAF Biggin Hill. In it Stephen discusses Blacker’s convention of making small portrait drawings of individual sitters which she then combined into multi-figure compositions of activities – such as in the filter room where data was gathered by WAAFs from the Observer Corps and radar stations and passed to Fighter Command.Admission to this exhibition is free of charge and is available as part of your general admission to our London site. You can pre-book your ticket now at: rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/events/in-air-and-fire-war-artists-the-battle-of-britai
Cosfords new outdoor experience for future aviators Royal Air Force Museum 2021-04-26 | We believe that your little ones will be as excited as we are with our NEW airfield-inspired playground at our Cosford Museum. Here's a little video of how it all came together, complete with a mock control tower, mini hangar and even aircraft to climb onboard.#GetReadyForTakeOff on the 17 May!
Applications are now open for STAAR 2021 Royal Air Force Museum 2021-04-26 | The RAF Museum in partnership with Northrop Grumman in the UK is on the lookout for Britain’s brightest STEM students to take part in an exciting new competition to be launched in May, for Year 9 Students.Each school team will compete against others in a series of STEM challenges posted online, with the chance to win a two-day residential experience at RAF Cosford later this year.The new STAAR programme will consist of six STEM challenges that will be released over a number of weeks, with each challenge aligned to the national curriculum to form an overall mission. Students will be part of an elite team called upon to monitor earthquakes and volcanoes, provide aid to citizens, assess the damage to national communications, transport and power and help the elected Government of a UK ally to maintain civil control of the country after a series of natural disasters.For more info and to sign up your STEM STAARs for this thrilling opportunity please visit rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/whats-going-on/news/search-for-uks-brightest-stem-students
A statement by our CEO on the passing of our Royal Patron, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh Royal Air Force Museum 2021-04-09 | It is with great sadness that we learn of the news of the passing of our Royal Patron, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.His Royal Highness has been a passionate supporter of the Royal Air Force Museum since its inception in the late 1960s, assisting with our development and visiting us a number of times over the years in both an official and unofficial capacity. Privately HRH was always interested the Museum’s progress and he was a staunch advocate for the Museum publicly, particularly when we needed support for our major projects. As a Marshal of the Royal Air Force, His Royal Highness guided us with his knowledge, experience and expertise. Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude the service given by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.If you would like to send a message of condolence to The Royal Family , Buckingham Palace have set up an electronic Book of Condolence at royal.uk/condolence
Legacy Of The Lancaster Royal Air Force Museum 2021-03-16 | The 'Legacy of the Avro Lancaster' is a debate led by RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton and a reputable panel including former Tornado navigator and author John Nichol, BBMF pilot Flt Lt Seb Davey, RAF Museum historian Harry Raffal and Andrew Panton of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.If after watching this film you would like to learn more about the Avro Lancaster you can do so by visiting the following page on our website rafmuseum.org.uk/virtual-events/the-lancaster-challenge-2021/stories-and-more
In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz: Elva Blacker – Artist and WAAF Royal Air Force Museum 2021-02-21 | Although our doors are currently closed Rebecca Jones, the great niece of Elva Blacker, discusses Blacker’s work as an artist and Women’s Auxiliary Air Force Aircraftswoman for our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’. A mature student, at age 30 Blacker graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art from the Slade School of Fine Art in 1939, soon before Britain entered into war with Germany. For years she had worked in her parents’ photographic firm which she was expected to run when her father died. Stationed at RAF Biggin Hill, which played a key role in the Battle of Britain, Blacker made many drawings of personnel; these constitute the most extensive artistic record life on an RAF station.Interview by Curator Julia Beaumont-Jones.To see works featured in the exhibition why not consult our Collections Online here: collections.rafmuseum.org.uk
In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain & the Blitz- Growing Up Amid the Plymouth Blitz Royal Air Force Museum 2021-01-31 | Although our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ may be currently closed we were able, before Lockdown started, to interview sculptor and printmaker Michael Sandle RA (born 1936) who recounts in this video his childhood experiences of the Plymouth Blitz and how war informs his art. He recalls experiences of sheltering from an air raid, his mother’s memory of the neighbourhood being machine-gunned, their neighbour’s tragic death, and how while they were evacuated to Cornwall their home was destroyed. Sandle describes his artistic focus on war and preoccupation with the role of pilots. Interview by Curator Julia Beaumont-Jones.If you would like to see the works featured in the exhibition while our doors are closed why not consult our Collections Online here: collections.rafmuseum.org.uk
In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz - Rachel Reckitt’s War Work Royal Air Force Museum 2021-01-24 | Although our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ is currently closed as part of England's National Lockdown we were able, before Lockdown, to interview Booker Prize winning novelist Dame Penelope Lively.In this video she discusses her aunt, the artist Rachel Reckitt’s time in London helping with the relief effort in Whitechapel during the Blitz (September 1940 – May 1941). Based at Toynbee Hall, working for the London Borough of Stepney, Reckitt rehomed dispossessed families and evacuated children to the countryside, including to her family home in Somerset, which she turned into a war nursery. Absorbed by her relief work, Reckitt – who had trained at the Grosvenor School of Modern Art – made occasional war pictures from this time – paintings and wood engravings. If you would like to see works featured in the exhibition while our doors are closed why not consult Collections Online at: collections.rafmuseum.org.ukInterview by Curator Julia Beaumont-Jones.
In Air and Fire: War Artists, Battle of Britain and the Blitz - Battle of Britain Press Release 1941 Royal Air Force Museum 2021-01-17 | Although our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ is currently closed as part of England's National Lockdown we asked curators to voice the words of Sir Kenneth Clark and artist Paul Nash, by reading a 1941 press release for Nash’s painting ‘The Battle of Britain’. Clark introduces the work commissioned through the War Artists’ Advisory Committee for the Ministry of Information, explaining its style and approach as an example of allegorical war art, while Nash explains the subject-matter and compositional elements of the painting. To see works featured in the exhibition why not consult Collections Online at: collections.rafmuseum.org.uk
