Programme: Official programme - London Aerodrome

Date: 1913

Accession number: 2003.79/1

Measurements: H 215 mm; L 133 mm

This is the official programme for The Aerial Derby at the London Aerodrome, Hendon, on 20 September 1913. The image in the centre shows the first aerial derby, which was held at Hendon the previous year. The programme includes descriptions of the aeroplanes, photos of the pilots taking part and, in the centre, a plan of the racecourse around London starting and finishing at Hendon. The pilot and flying enthusiast Claude Grahame-White established the London Aerodrome in 1911. At a time when few people had ever seen an aeroplane, the spectacular air displays were hugely popular, attracting up to 500,000 spectators. This annual event continued at Hendon until the early 1950s.