Our Heritage
Peter Powell Kites started in 1972…
In 1972, Peter Powell developed a steerable kite, using dual lines. Very early Peter Powell kites had spars made of ramin which were later replaced with aluminium tubing and later still by glass fibre spars. Originally they all came with clear 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.
Peter Powell won the silver and gold 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.
Driving Industry Trends
Millions of kites were sold and flying steerable kites became a craze in the mid-70s in the UK. The popularity of all types of multiple-line kite flying today can be attributed directly to Peter Powell’s development of a modern, dual line kite. Peter 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.
Now his two sons, Mark and Paul, have produced an updated model of the world famous Original Stunt Kite, the MK3. It retains all the classic features of the original but with a modern twist, including Peter Powell handles, moulded from the hands of the legend himself! Also with stronger line, reinforced sail and a simpler way of attaching the Sky Streamer.
Quality and Testing
Peter Powell and sons Mark and Paul have worked tirelessly to ensure that the kite is top quality. Hundreds of hours have been spent flying the kite around the Cotswold hills, testing the kite to destruction and amending and tweaking its components to ensure it withstands mother nature’s extreme weather conditions. The kite has been tested in temperatures from zero to 30 degrees centigrade, in sleet and snow, full-blown gales and torrential rain and come out unscathed.
The Powell brothers first showed their father, Peter, the new kite model on the day the Olympic Torch came through Shurdington in Cheltenham. Peter was astonished and delighted at what they had achieved behind closed doors.
Contact Us
Address
Rotunda Buildings,
Montpellier Exchange,
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
GL50 1SX