Arts & Culture
From left - Royston Smith, John Hannides, Paul Beaver, Sir Richard Knighton, Mike James and 'Black' Roberston.
Published: November 14, 2024 | Updated: 14th November 2024
Sir Richard Knighton, chief of the air staff at the RAF, recently hosted a special reception to in support of a campaign to install a Spitfire monument in Southampton.
The £6 million National Spitfire Project (NSP) looks to honour all those involved in the history of the iconic aircraft, from designers and engineers to pilots and support crews.
It’s a history very much tied to Southampton, as the prototype Spitfire first took off from Southampton Airport and some of the earliest models were built at the Supermarine factory in Woolston.
Designed by architect Nick Hancock, the monument will commemorate the Spitfire’s significant role in British history and hopefully inspire new generations.
The RAF reception in London welcomed ambassadors, captains of industry, philanthropists, academics and experts from fields including material supply and construction – many of whom have already committed resources or expertise to bring the project to life.
Each attendee received a copy of Spitfire Evolution by Paul Beaver, a comprehensive volume that chronicles the Spitfire’s development and adaptability.
Highlights from the evening included a display by Alastair Gibson, who showcased a large, carbon fibre recreation of the Spitfire, and Dale Luckhurst of project partner Airfix, who shared Spitfire model kits with lucky guests.
Speaking at the event, John Hannides, chair of the NSP, said: “This event at the Ministry of Defence serves as a reminder of the Spitfire’s enduring legacy and the unyielding support for this monumental project.
“The National Spitfire Project is set to inspire countless visitors and future generations, celebrating not only a storied aircraft, but the spirit of innovation, dedication and courage it represents.”
The monument, a stainless steel Spitfire crafted at one-and-a-half times the scale of the original, will rise 40 metres above the Solent, complete with a curved ‘vapour trail’ support, seating areas, and roundels representing the 30 nations that operated the Spitfire.
The initiative has received backing from Southampton City Council, which kickstarted the delivery with a grant for the initial design work and continues to support the project as a strategic partner.
Once complete, the monument will be the largest steel sculpture in the world, surpassing the Yuan-Dao Guanyin Temple in Taipei – which stands at 30.3 metres.
John added: “This monument will honour the Spitfire’s legacy, the spirit of innovation, and the dedication of all who contributed to its story.
“We’re thrilled to see such robust support for this endeavour.”
