THE PIONEERING work of Sir Frank Whittle, the inventor of the jet engine, takes centre stage at a new gallery in his home town of Lutterworth.
Museum Chairman Tony Hirons (right) said he was ‘delighted’ to welcome Sir Frank’s son Ian Whittle to formally open the new gallery. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4025007MMR1
Sir Frank’s son Ian Whittle was the guest of honour as he formally opened The Whittle Room, the new aviation display at Lutterworth and District Museum – home to the largest number of Whittle artefacts in the country.
Having taken over the whole of the Highpoint building earlier this year, the museum was able to open the new gallery which covers the history of flight in Lutterworth, much of it centred on the work of Sir Frank.
The town’s Mayor Val Cooper and MP Alberto Costa were among the guests of honour as the museum’s Chairman Tony Hirons handed a pair of scissors to Mr Whittle, who then formally cut the ribbon on the new display.
Mr Whittle told assembled guests about his father’s life and the challenges he faced.
He added that he was ‘delighted and amazed’ by the artefacts on display and the story they told – having been disappointed at the content of other Whittle displays he had visited at museums around the country.
The gallery is home to the largest number of Whittle artefacts in the country, including the Whittle W2/700 Aero Engine. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4025007MMR7
He added: “I will definitely be back in the spring next year.”
Lutterworth & District Museum moved to its new premises in the centre of Lutterworth in 2021. Since then, it has attracted over 8,000 visitors from over 40 countries.
Visit www.lutterworthmuseum.org for more information.
