The National Spitfire Project

16/10/2026

A huge thank you to Robert Hardman for shining a spotlight on the National Spitfire Monument in this fantastic feature in today's Daily Mail.

The Spitfire helped save Britain in its darkest hour. Now, we’re working to create a landmark monument on Southampton’s waterfront to celebrate the aircraft, the people who designed and built it, and all those who flew and maintained it.

A fitting tribute to an extraordinary aircraft and an enduring legacy.

Read Robert's full article and discover more about our ambitious project:

https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16213225/ROBERT-HARDMAN-commemorate-plane-saved-Britain.html

Please help us spread the word even further by sharing this post!

16/10/2026

FRIDAY FUN: WHAT THREE WORDS?

If you had just three words to describe the Spitfire, what would they be?

🇬🇧 Ours: Iconic. Beautiful. Unforgettable.
👇 Your turn! Drop your three words in the comments.

15/10/2026

We were delighted to see our Trustee, Paul Beaver deliver the 70th R.J. Mitchell Memorial Lecture at the University of Southampton last night.

Father of the Spitfire, R.J. Mitchell, left an extraordinary legacy that continues to inspire generations. His vision and engineering genius helped create one of the most iconic aircraft in history.

As we work towards building the National Spitfire Monument on Southampton’s waterfront, celebrating Mitchell’s achievements and the Spitfire’s enduring legacy remains at the heart of our mission.

14/10/2026

A Spitfire story you won’t forget!

During the Second World War, ground crew member Margaret Horton accidentally took to the skies clinging to the tail of a Spitfire after its pilot took off unaware she was still aboard!

Remarkably, she survived the flight and the pilot made a safe landing. Her extraordinary story is now being kept alive by volunteers at North Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.

Stories like Margaret’s remind us that Spitfire history is about more than aircraft; it’s about the courage, character and unforgettable experiences of the people behind them.

👏 Read this fascinating story from the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm87zd0pzx0ro

Margaret Horton's story is being kept alive by North Lincolnshire Heritage Centre.

06/10/2026

Help us build a lasting tribute to the Spitfire

The National Spitfire Monument will stand proudly on Southampton’s waterfront, close to where the first Spitfire took flight in 1936.

At 40 metres high, this spectacular stainless-steel sculpture will celebrate the people, innovation and courage behind one of the world’s most iconic aircraft,and the Spitfire’s international legacy.

But we can’t build it without your support.

Whether you donate, become a supporter or help us spread the word, every contribution brings the monument one step closer to taking flight.

Together, we can create a landmark that will inspire generations to come.

Find out more and support the project: www.nationalspitfireproject.org

The National Spitfire Project has come together to fundraise and build the National Spitfire Monument in Southampton.

05/10/2026

The Spitfire was born from ambition, innovation and determination. It reminds us that great things can happen when we have the courage to face challenges and keep moving forward.

Whatever this week brings, embrace the challenge, believe in what’s possible and take that next step.

Rise to the challenge. Take flight.

01/10/2026

We’re delighted to share these photographs from the Fourth Annual Sailor Malan Memorial Lecture delivered by Rory Steyn, and the wreath-laying ceremony in Kimberley, South Africa.

Both events were very well attended, with the lecture exploring “Sailor Malan and The Few: Why Courage and Character Matter” and reflecting on the enduring legacy of one of the Battle of Britain’s distinguished fighter pilots.

It was particularly encouraging to see so many young South Africans participating and engaging with Sailor Malan’s story and the values of courage, leadership and character that continue to inspire generations.

We’re also extremely proud to have Yvonne Malan, a relative of Sailor Malan, as part of our National Spitfire Project ACE team.

Photos: Paul Job

30/09/2026

What’s your earliest memory of the Spitfire?

Was it seeing one fly overhead? Visiting an airshow? Building a model as a child? A story told by a parent or grandparent? Or perhaps seeing one for the first time in a museum?

The Spitfire has inspired generations for 90 years, and we’d love to hear your story. Share your earliest Spitfire memory with us.

And if you love the Spitfire and want to help preserve its story for future generations, discover the National Spitfire Monument that will honour the legacy of those who designed, flew and maintained the Spitfire: www.nationalspitfireproject.org

23/09/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Antony Worsley, Founder of JET Art Gallery, to the NSP team.

Antony’s passion for military aviation began in childhood, inspired by his parents’ wartime service and a Spitfire model bought for him by his mother. This grew into more than 35 years as an aviation art collector and, in 2022, the founding of JET Art Gallery, which tells the stories of military aviation through fine art.

We’re proud to have Antony join us as an Ace and look forward to working with him to help share the story and legacy of the Spitfire with future generations.

Welcome, Antony!

22/09/2026

What’s your favourite thing about the Spitfire?

Is it the iconic shape? The unmistakable sound of its Merlin engine? Its incredible speed and agility? Or the stories of the people who designed, built, flew and maintained it?

For 90 years, the Spitfire has captured imaginations around the world. Now we want to hear what it means to you.

Tell us in the comments — what’s your favourite thing about the Spitfire?

Find out more about the National Spitfire Monument: www.nationalspitfireproject.org