Among Pioneers: Maurice Egerton and Early Flight Exhibition

Let your imagination take flight with a new exhibition in the mansion at Tatton Park, marking the re-opening of the house for spring.

‘Among Pioneers: Maurice Egerton and Early Flight’, opened on Saturday and explores the fascinating story of the development of aeroplane flight during the early 20th century.

Central to the story the exhibition uncovers is the passionate involvement of Maurice Egerton during this intense period of exploration into early flight. Maurice, 4th and last Baron Egerton of Tatton (1874-1958) was a pioneer aviator, photographer, filmmaker, traveller and motorist.



Lt Commander Maurice Egerton,

© Tatton Park/Cheshire East Council/National Trust

 In 1903 the American Wright brothers made the first controlled, powered and sustained, heavier-than-air, human flight in an aeroplane. Inspired by this great event Maurice devoted a decade of his life to pioneering aviation work, at first developing his own aircraft, then testing and flying planes, eventually for the Royal Navy.

The exhibition explores Maurice’s friendships with some of these early aviators and his personal journey to make his own ambitions to quite literally, take flight.

Original material from Maurice’s archive and photographic collection is also be on display.

The exhibition is a collaboration between Tatton Park and Jim Rait, an aero-engine designer and expert in aviation history. The exhibition will be supplemented by a special talk by Jim on Wednesday, September 20, ‘Invention and adventure – early flight and technology’. Further details can be found below and on the Tatton Park website.

Mansion and collections manager Caroline Schofield said: “Maurice Egerton is something of an enigma. This quiet, unassuming and shy man is found among the ranks of the pioneers in the development of early aeroplanes in Britain. Though a terrible flying accident curtailed feats of daring, he continued to test and fly aeroplanes during the First World War, employing his meticulous eye for detail in support of the war effort. ”

‘Among Pioneers: Maurice Egerton and Early Flight’ exhibition
Saturday, March 24 to Sunday, May 6 2012 (closed Mondays). The Mansion is open from 1pm-5pm (last entry 4pm).

‘Invention and adventure – early flight and technology’ talk:
Wednesday, September 20. 11am-noon. £7.50 per person.
Jim Rait, aero-engine designer and expert in aviation history has researched the life and aviation exploits of Maurice Egerton. Tatton Park’s photographic collection and Maurice Egerton’s flight-log provides a fascinating insight into Egerton’s first attempts as a pilot and relations with the aviator Orville Wright.
Booking in advance essential. Please call 01625 374428 to book.

Eleanor Gorsuch, Tatton Marketing