The Shuttleworth Collection: A Living Museum of Aviation and Automotive Heritage

The Shuttleworth Collection, located in Old Warden Aerodrome near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, is a renowned museum dedicated to the preservation and celebration of aviation and automotive history. It is one of the most significant collections of vintage aircraft and vehicles in the world, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the golden age of aviation and motoring.

The Origins of the Shuttleworth Collection

The collection was established in 1928 by Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, a passionate aviator, racing driver, and engineer. Shuttleworth began acquiring and restoring rare and historically significant aircraft and automobiles. His vision was to preserve these machines in their original, working condition. After his untimely death in a flying accident in 1940 during World War II, his family continued his legacy, founding the Shuttleworth Trust to safeguard his collection for future generations.

The Collection

The Shuttleworth Collection is a living museum, meaning that many of its aircraft and vehicles are not only meticulously preserved but are also operational. This sets it apart from many other museums, where exhibits are static. The collection boasts over 50 historic aircraft and a diverse range of vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and agricultural machinery.

Aircraft Collection: The Shuttleworth Collection is particularly famous for its aviation exhibits, which span from the early days of flight to World War II. Notable aircraft include the Bleriot XI, the oldest airworthy aircraft in the world, and a Supermarine Spitfire, one of the most iconic fighter planes of World War II. Visitors can witness these and other rare planes take to the skies during the collection’s regular flying displays, providing a vivid connection to the past.

The collection is home to some of the world’s last surviving examples of early aviation marvels such as the Deperdussin Monoplane, built in 1910, and the Avro 504K, a training aircraft used during World War I. There are also several World War II-era planes, including the Hawker Hurricane and the Westland Lysander, reflecting the development of military aviation technology.

Vehicle Collection: Alongside its aircraft, the Shuttleworth Collection also houses an impressive array of vintage vehicles. These include early motorcars like the 1901 Locomobile, one of the first steam-powered cars, and classic vehicles such as the 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. Motorcycles, bicycles, and horse-drawn carriages also feature in the collection, representing a wide spectrum of transportation history.

Events and Displays

One of the highlights of the Shuttleworth Collection is its Flying Days, where visitors can see historic aircraft take to the air in thrilling displays. These events, typically held between May and October, bring history to life in a way few museums can match. The aircraft are flown by experienced pilots, many of whom are trained in the unique challenges of flying vintage planes.

In addition to flying events, the collection hosts car shows, vintage vehicle parades, and other exhibitions that celebrate the rich heritage of motoring and aviation. Educational workshops, engineering demonstrations, and family activities ensure that the Shuttleworth Collection remains an engaging destination for visitors of all ages.

Photo report Evening air show 20-07-2024

Following our photo report of the Evening air show at the Shuttleworth museum.