Airfix has been a ‘household’ word for decades. In the same way that ‘Hoover’ has meant vacuum cleaner for generations, Airfix means model kits. From being the largest manufacturer of plastic combs by 1947, Airfix branched out into toys and other domestic products, but in 1952 embarked, with the little ship The Golden Hind, on producing construction kits, this was rapidly followed by the first of its aircraft kits, the 1:72 scale Spitfire in 1953.

Airfix : Making History celebrates the artists who decorated the packaging for the company’s products. Stirring scenes of combat and heroism stimulated the juvenile market of the 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s to part willingly with its pocket money, and the pleasure of making your own toy was a thrill which the generation of thumb-twiddling, computer game addicts – exposed as they are to hugely more violent and destructive ‘amusements’ than modelling – has abandoned to its loss. Modelling teaches patience, discipline and the advantages of following the instructions, virtues which are, regrettably, held in little esteem today.

Older visitors of Airfix : Making History are therefore invited to indulge in nostalgia. Younger viewers are encouraged to marvel at the imagination of the engineers who designed the vehicles, aeroplanes and tanks which are represented in miniature, at the skills of the mould makers who devise the kit components and to be thrilled by the artists whose work makes these products so attractive.

Paul Hudson, Head of Marketing of the Royal Air Force Museum said :

‘ As someone who spent their formative years making 1:48 scale Spitfire and Lancaster models, plus a very fulfilling summer at the age of 11 making the model of the HMS Victory, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Airfix and Hornby Ltd for allowing the Museum to tell the story of Airfix through these beautifully executed pieces of art during the 60th anniversary year of the first Spitfire Kit and 75th anniversary year of the company itself. Each of them is a mini masterpiece, which inspired the imaginations of generations of children to explore, learn and make.’

Darrell Burge, Marketing Manager, Airfix said :

‘ Given that Airfix has used the collection at Royal Air Force Museum regularly over the years on which to base it models, we felt that holding an exhibition which explored an often overlooked element of the Airfix experience, our box art, was both logical and pertinent. Having viewed the exhibition on display, I would urge Airfix fans across the globe to visit London and see it.’

‘Airfix : Making History’ will be on display at the Royal Air Force Museum London’s Art Gallery from Saturday 1st June 2013 until 3rd May 2014. On Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June to celebrate the opening of the exhibition, visitors to the exhibition are also invited to discover the virtues of modelling by participating in free make and take sessions, which will run from 11am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm on each day.

The exhibition will be open daily from 10am until 6pm. Admission to the exhibition and to the Museum is free of charge.

www.rafmuseum.org

Tags: 2013, June, News, RAF Museum London