Peter Powell (kite maker): Difference between revisions
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After Powell developed the "Peter Powell Stunter", he was producing and selling about 300 kites a week. This changed when the kite was featured on an episode of the [[BBC]] News and current affairs television programme ''[[Nationwide (TV programme)|Nationwide]]''. Demand for the kites soared to 25,000 a week. Two factories were opened, followed by a further three with production reaching 75,000 a week.<ref name=BBC>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-35225337 Peter Powell at BBC News Gloucester] Retrieved 5 January 2016</ref> |
After Powell developed the "Peter Powell Stunter", he was producing and selling about 300 kites a week. This changed when the kite was featured on an episode of the [[BBC]] News and current affairs television programme ''[[Nationwide (TV programme)|Nationwide]]''. Demand for the kites soared to 25,000 a week. Two factories were opened, followed by a further three with production reaching 75,000 a week.<ref name=BBC>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-35225337 Peter Powell at BBC News Gloucester] Retrieved 5 January 2016</ref> |
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Powell won the silver diploma for his kite at the Exhibition of New Inventions and Techniques in Geneva in 1975. In 1976, the Peter Powell kite was elected toy of the year by the [[British Association of Toy Retailers]]. Millions of kites were sold |
Powell won the silver diploma for his kite at the Exhibition of New Inventions and Techniques in Geneva in 1975. In 1976, the Peter Powell kite was elected toy of the year by the [[British Association of Toy Retailers]]. Millions of kites were sold as flying steerable kites became a craze. The popularity of all types of multiple-line [[kite flying]] today can be attributed directly to Powell's development of a modern dual-line kite. |
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Powell often took his kites around the country and sold them from the back of his car. In 1974 (approx) he was selling them on [[Paignton]] sea front. He advertised by simply flying the kites. Powell launched a MKIII version of the kite with his sons Mark and Paul and on 14 June 2014 their first Kite store opened at the [[Cheltenham]] Shopping Centre.<ref name=gloucestereecho>[http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Kite-king-Peter-Powell-opens-new-store-Cheltenham/story-21227472-detail/story.html Kite King Peter Powell opens new store Cheltenham] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615052437/http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Kite-king-Peter-Powell-opens-new-store-Cheltenham/story-21227472-detail/story.html |date=2014-06-15 }}. Retrieved 5 January 2016</ref><ref name=soglos /> |
Powell often took his kites around the country and sold them from the back of his car. In 1974 (approx) he was selling them on [[Paignton]] sea front. He advertised by simply flying the kites. Powell launched a MKIII version of the kite with his sons Mark and Paul and on 14 June 2014 their first Kite store opened at the [[Cheltenham]] Shopping Centre.<ref name=gloucestereecho>[http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Kite-king-Peter-Powell-opens-new-store-Cheltenham/story-21227472-detail/story.html Kite King Peter Powell opens new store Cheltenham] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615052437/http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Kite-king-Peter-Powell-opens-new-store-Cheltenham/story-21227472-detail/story.html |date=2014-06-15 }}. Retrieved 5 January 2016</ref><ref name=soglos /> |
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Revision as of 15:33, 8 April 2021
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Peter Trevor Powell (29 June 1932 – 3 January 2016)[1] was a British kite maker who developed a steerable kite in 1972, using dual lines. The kite that made him famous is known as the "Peter Powell Stunter". It became an international bestselling kite in 1976.[2] Very early on, Powell's kites had spars made of ramin (Gonystylus) which were later replaced with aluminium tubing and, later still, by glass fibre spars. Originally they all came with black plastic sails, though later blue, red and yellow sails became available. The kites came with a long, hollow polyethylene tail that was inflated by the wind. The tail added stability as well as looking good when performing stunts.
Early life
He was born in Gloucester, England.[3] His parents toured with an Ideal Home Exhibition show and he served in the Royal Air Force where he trained as a mechanic and maintained Gloster Meteor aircraft. He then ran a business with his brother painting road markings.[1]
Kite production
After Powell developed the "Peter Powell Stunter", he was producing and selling about 300 kites a week. This changed when the kite was featured on an episode of the BBC News and current affairs television programme Nationwide. Demand for the kites soared to 25,000 a week. Two factories were opened, followed by a further three with production reaching 75,000 a week.[4]
Powell won the silver diploma for his kite at the Exhibition of New Inventions and Techniques in Geneva in 1975. In 1976, the Peter Powell kite was elected toy of the year by the British Association of Toy Retailers. Millions of kites were sold as flying steerable kites became a craze. The popularity of all types of multiple-line kite flying today can be attributed directly to Powell's development of a modern dual-line kite.
Powell often took his kites around the country and sold them from the back of his car. In 1974 (approx) he was selling them on Paignton sea front. He advertised by simply flying the kites. Powell launched a MKIII version of the kite with his sons Mark and Paul and on 14 June 2014 their first Kite store opened at the Cheltenham Shopping Centre.[5][3]
On 3 January 2016, he died at the age of 83 after a stroke at his home in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.[6]
References
- ^ a b The Times Obituary - Peter Powell, 8 February 2016. p48
- ^ "Peter Powell's stunt kite: The rise and fall and rise again". BBC. 22 March 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
- ^ a b at SO Glos online magazine Archived 2016-02-15 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 5 January 2016
- ^ Peter Powell at BBC News Gloucester Retrieved 5 January 2016
- ^ Kite King Peter Powell opens new store Cheltenham Archived 2014-06-15 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 5 January 2016
- ^ "Founder of Peter Powell Kites in Cheltenham has died following a stroke". Gloucestershire Echo.[permanent dead link]
External links
- Article and interview with Peter Powell (video) on bbc.co.uk
- US Patent US3954235 filed by Peter Power on Aug 21, 1974
- US Patent US4076189 Filed by Peter Powell on July 16, 1976