The Royal Air Force Museum ( RAFM, R.A.F.M)

21/06/2021

STAAR recruits…this is your final Mission Briefing!

In order to complete your mission, recruits must record a 3-5 minute presentation introducing your team and explaining the features and components of your UAV design, and project findings to date. Further instructions can be found in your briefing pack.

We are looking for a piece that will wow our judges and give you a chance of becoming a STAAR where you will experience an advanced aerospace residential held at RAF Cosford later this year.

The STAAR programme is fully funded by Northrop Grumman Corporation and is delivered in partnership with the RAF Museum and Tablet Academy UK, with the generous support of Royal Air Force Cosford and the Royal Air Force Youth Engagement Team.

21/06/2021

In our latest video for our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ artist Michael Broughton discusses drawing witnessed encounters, including difficult subjects one must come to terms with.

Broughton finds that drawing – therefore scrutinising – everyday encounters enables one to develop a greater empathy with situations around them: ‘Your life is not your choice in the sense that experiences happen to you over and above your wanting – drawing is a way of coming to terms with looking at something…a way of not turning away’.

This video features works by Olga Lehmann, Robert Austin and Claude Rowberry. Interview was given by Curator Julia Beaumont-Jones.

To see works featured in the exhibition why not consult our Collections Online here: https://collections.rafmuseum.org.uk/

Alternatively entry into the exhibition is part of your free admission to our London site. To book your timed ticket or entry to our London site, please go to: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london

21/06/2021

Take inspiration from Captain Sir Tom Moore and get active by participating in a 5, 10 or 25 km walk around historic sites in your local community, reflecting on the contribution of our Service personnel.

The Royal Air Force Museum together with the National Museum of the Royal Navy, National Army Museum and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission are delighted to announce the launch of a country-wide celebration of our Service personnel in conjunction with Armed Forces Week.

The four organisations have come together to host a virtual walking event 'In the Footsteps of Our Forces', and are appealing to the public to reflect on and celebrate the role of our Armed Forces today and in the past.

The virtual walk starts today (Monday 21 June), at the start of Armed Forces Week, and will end on Sunday 4 July. The public will have two weeks to complete their chosen distance of either 5, 10 or 25 km. They will also be able to download one of the suggested routes, which will take then around museums, war graves, memorials, historical sites and places of remembrance. The suggested routes include walks around historic Hendon, the home of the RAF Museum.

The cost to register for 'In the Footsteps of Our Forces' is £18 and the money raised will support us in helping to continue to tell the stories of those who served and are still serving in the Armed Forces today.

A discounted ticket priced £15 is offered to members of the Armed Forces community (including veterans, cadets and serving personnel). If five or more friends or family members enter, they will be eligible for a 10% discount on tickets. If a group of 10 or more enter then a 15% discount will apply.

All of those who complete the walk will be awarded a commemorative medal to mark their achievement.

Book your ticket here: https://jointoperations.digitickets.co.uk/category/34424
Or visit our website for further details: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/whats-going-on/events/in-the-footsteps-of-our-forces/

19/06/2021

We're currently recruiting for a #TravelTrade & Museum Events Executive responsible for developing our business for tours and other group visits, including offers for the travel trade and managing bookings. For further details and to apply ➡https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/about-us/job-vacancies/travel-trade-museum-events-executive/

19/06/2021

RAF Museum London events are back! We cannot wait to see our visitors again and deliver loads of fun activities and events…but to do this we need your help!

We are after bright and friendly event volunteers to engage with our London visitors to make their visit feel extra special.

So if you are you interested in gaining some first-hand events experience in a museum or our looking to gain practical experience to kick-start your career in events, please go to: http://ow.ly/a66y50Fe2GW

You will be given full training plus daily expenses.

16/06/2021

In 2019, RAF Museum Trustee Nick Sanders lead a march of over 100 miles to raise money for a bespoke outdoor children’s playground at the Museum's site in Cosford.

Fast forward two years, and Nick is back at Cosford to see the airfield-inspired playground complete. Featuring miniature versions of iconic aircraft, the playground has transformed the Cosford site, and is in use daily by families visiting the Museum.

Nick recently brought along his own family for a day out at the Museum and to see how families were making use of the new facility.

We would like to thank Nick for all his fundraising efforts and making the playground possible.

Bring your little ones along to test-fly the new playground, simply pre-book your ticket online: https://royalairforcemuseum.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/28352?catID=27857&

Admission is free! #GetReadyForTakeOff

15/06/2021

Father's Day is in a few days. If you haven't found the right gift yet, have a look at our online Shop. https://www.rafmuseumshop.com/fathers-day-gifts.html

We have a genuine Irvin Original Flying Jacket. A legend with its place in history, but as much as anything else owning a genuine Irvin just feels right. https://www.rafmuseumshop.com/original-irvin-flying-jacket.html

What about this elegant pilot watch? The functionality of the first wrist watches to be worn by pilots, is the inspiration for this collection of timeless watches. https://www.rafmuseumshop.com/pilot-watch-black-face-tan-strap.html

You stupid boy! Those three words brings us straight back to Dad's Army. These socks are a great gift idea for any Dad's Army fan! https://www.rafmuseumshop.com/dad-s-army-stupid-boy-socks-end-aug-16.html

Very popular is this officially licensed RAF wallet made exclusively designed for the RAF Museum, and embossed with the official RAF Wings Logo. https://www.rafmuseumshop.com/raf-wings-wallet.html

Something very special is this high-gloss solid wooden Lancaster model, expertly carved out of Mahogany. This beautiful handmade piece is perfect for a personal gift, desk top model or presentation award. https://www.rafmuseumshop.com/wooden-high-gloss-lancaster-model.html

And you cannot go wrong with a tie as a gift. We have this elegant RAF Silk Tie, made from excellent quality handmade 100% silk.

Have a look at our website to explore our range of lovely gifts for Father's Day (and beyond). https://www.rafmuseumshop.com/fathers-day-gifts.html

15/06/2021

We are excited to announce that our Outdoor Cinema is back! 📽️🎬🍿 From the 13 – 15 August we are offering the ultimate cinema experience for film fans, in the unique setting of the RAF Museum Cosford!

We will show two screenings per day on a huge LED screen alongside the VC10 and Hercules aircraft. ✈️✈️ Our afternoon screenings are suitable for the whole family, while our evening screenings are suitable for everyone over 12 years (12A rated films, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult).

Our programme this year is a mixture of classics and more recent favourites for every age. More than 1,000 people voted through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for their favourite films. 🙌 An overwhelming number of comments and emails reached us requesting to add Top Gun to the programme – and we’ve listened!👨‍✈️✈️

Check out the movie schedule below:

📽️Friday, 13 August
5.00pm – Lion King (2019)
8.30pm – Back to the Future

📽️Saturday, 14 August
5.00pm – Trolls World Tour
8.30pm – The Greatest Showman

📽️Sunday, 15 August
5.00pm – Inside Out (2015)
8.30pm – Top Gun (1986)

Book your favourite film by the 4 July to get the early bird discount!

🎟️ Early bird ticket prices:
Adults - £12.00
Family* afternoon screening - £30.00
Family* evening screening - £35.00
Children (5 - 15 years) - £6.00

*Family ticket includes 2 adults and 3 children

🍿👉 Visit our website more for details and to pre-book your tickets: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/whats-going-on/events/outdoor-cinema/

14/06/2021

STAAR recruits…your fifth Mission Briefing has now been assigned.

In this next task, recruits will be given a series of historic aerial reconnaissance images to analyse. You will also complete a short research piece on C4ISR and ISTAR. All the details you need to complete the task are provided in your briefing pack.

Don't forget to submit your findings and stay alert for the final stage of your mission.

When the mission is complete, four lucky schools will be selected for an advanced aerospace residential held at RAF Cosford later this year.

The STAAR programme is fully funded by Northrop Grumman Corporation and is delivered in partnership with the RAF Museum and Tablet Academy UK, with the generous support of Royal Air Force Cosford and the Royal Air Force Youth Engagement Team.

13/06/2021

In our latest release for our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ art historian Dr Jonathan Black (Kingston University) discusses Official War Artist Eric Kennington’s portraits of ‘The Few’ from the RAF Fighter and Bomber Commands.

Kennington received a long-term commission with the Air Ministry where he spent two years producing portraits of high-ranking servicemen, portraying them as square-jawed heroes, fresh from action. Some of the men he represented died within months of sitting for their portraits, while others went on to achieve lengthy distinguished careers with the RAF.

To see works featured in the exhibition, including Eric Kennington’s portraits, why not consult our Collections Online here: https://collections.rafmuseum.org.uk/

Entry to the exhibition (in Hangar 3’s Art Gallery), and to the Museum, is free of charge. To pre-book your timed entry, please visit: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/

Interview by Curator Julia Beaumont Jones.

13/06/2021

Adopt a piece of RAF history for Father's Day

Looking for an unusual Father’s Day gift that will continue to give far beyond Father's Day, by also supporting the work of the RAF Museum? Then look no further!

With a collection of more than 1.3 million items, spanning more than a century of RAF history, Adopt an Artefact highlights over 60 of our best loved objects, each with their own fascinating story to tell.

Adoptions include everything from lapel badges and lucky mascots to aircraft and even a commemorative beer mat, there really is a gift for any Father!

Adoptions include:
• An Adopt an Artefact card for you to give on Father’s Day
• Digital image of your chosen object
• Digital gift certificate
• Personalised dedication on Collections Online the Museum’s new digital collections system.

To see the items available for adoption and for further information please visit: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/adopt-an-artefact/

11/06/2021

It's nearly the weekend, so #GetReadyForTakeOff! ✈️

At the #RAFMuseumCosford we have amazing aircraft displays for you to explore, along with a new airfield-inspired playground where your little aviators can become a pilot for the day!

Plus, on Saturday we have the delightful Polly's Parlour on hand to keep us cool with some of the best ice-creams in town! 🍦Or head over to the Airfield Kitchen for milkshakes, frappes and much more. 🥤

There's plenty of outdoor space to enjoy a picnic in the sunshine, and huge hangars packed full of aircraft for when you need a bit of shade! ☀️✈️

We can't wait to see you.🤩 Pre-book your tickets online: https://royalairforcemuseum.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/28352?catID=27857&

Admission is free!

08/06/2021

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the RAF Museum Cosford over May half term, we hope you had a fab time and made some amazing family memories. 😃

It’s been wonderful to see so many families testing out the new playground and exploring our aircraft collection. 👩‍✈️✈️

Here’s just a few half term highlights from us, but we would love to see some of your favourite photos in the comments below.👇

07/06/2021

GENUINE RED ARROWS CUFFLINKS GIFT SET - SIGNED VERSION

This is the ultimate Red Arrows gift set for Father's day. Officially licensed by the RAF Red Arrows , the set contains a collection of unique products that are certain to thrill:
=+> Genuine Red Arrows cufflinks, smelted from aluminium of a real Hawk jet
=+> Mini Model, again smelted from aluminium of a real Hawk jet
=+> 'Remove Before Flight’ Key Tag
=+> A never-seen-before photograph, signed by current members of the Red Arrows and limited to just 50 sets.

https://www.rafmuseumshop.com/red-arrows-cufflinks-ultimate-gift-set-signed-version.html

Order this amazing gift set via our Museum Shop website. Allow 28 working days for delivery. #redarrows #fathersday

LIMITED TO JUST 50 SETS WITH PHOTO SIGNED BY THE RED ARROWS TEAM This is the ultimate Red Arrows gift.  Officially licensed by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, the set contains a collection of unique products that are certain to thrill. Presented in a special gift b...

07/06/2021

STAAR recruits…your fourth Mission Briefing has now been assigned.

In this encryption/decryption task, students must demonstrate their ability to work with various styles of encrypted communication by decrypting the messages. All the details you need to discover the hidden messages are provided in your briefing pack.

Don't forget to submit your findings and stay alert for the next stage of your mission.

When the mission is complete, four lucky schools will be selected for an advanced aerospace residential held at RAF Cosford later this year.

The STAAR programme is fully funded by Northrop Grumman Corporation and is delivered in partnership with the RAF Museum and Tablet Academy UK, with the generous support of Royal Air Force Cosford and the Royal Air Force Youth Engagement Team.

06/06/2021

In our latest video for our London exhibition ‘In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz’ printmaker Stephen Mumberson, Middlesex University, makes a wood engraving inspired by war artist Elva Blacker’s ‘Filter Room’ (1944), demonstrating a Japanese printing technique.

His work ‘Women in War’ (2020) features in a related display of works by Fine Art and Printmaking students and staff from Middlesex University.

To see works featured in the exhibition why not consult our Collections Online here: https://collections.rafmuseum.org.uk/

Or alternatively view them in person in our London Art Gallery. Entry to the exhibition and to the Museum is free of charge.

To pre-book your timed entry, please visit: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/

06/06/2021

At 12.30pm on 25 June, Gary Haines will explore the cost and controversy of the RAF’s ‘Rhubarb’ sorties in a free lecture that will be hosted in our London lecture theatre with a live audience. We can't wait to welcome you back. https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/events/lunchtime-lecture-the-controversy-and-cost-of-raf-rhubarb-sorties/

At 12.30pm on 25 June, Gary Haines will explore the cost and controversy of the RAF’s ‘Rhubarb’ sorties in a free lecture that will be hosted in our London lecture theatre with a live audience. We can't wait to welcome you back. https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/events/lunchtime-lecture-the-controversy-and-cost-of-raf-rhubarb-sorties/