Friday 24 September 2021

The Stoke Spitfire

Three years ago, the Potteries Museum Spitfire, which was in pieces, was sent away for refurbishment.  In the mean time, a new gallery extension to the Museum was planned.  Today was the day we went to see the newly opened gallery.

Access is through the museum, but the aircraft can be seen at both sides of the gallery through a glass window,
The extension is a modern and purpose built gallery which is in keeping with the developments around this part of the City.
The Sptifire Mk XVI RW388 was a clipped wing version which was donated to the Museum in 1972 in honour of the designer Reginald J Mitchell who was born and educated in Stoke-on-Trent.  This particular aircraft last flew in 1952 and was taken out of service at RAF Middle Wallop in Hampshire and became a gate guardian at an RAF base.
Restoration of parts was carried out at Medway Aircraft Preservation Society in Kent and the components were sent to the Museum at RAF Cosford to be moved and assembled at the Potteries Museum when the new gallery was completed.
Access to the gallery is through the newly refurbished cafe and the gallery setup allows visitors a very close look at this aircraft.  Accompanying displays show the development and information about Spitfires in the RAF and other services.

https://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/collections/local-history/spitfire-rw388/


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