Collector hopes air museum plan will take off

Dipton, County Durham, England – A museum dedicated to aviation memorabilia spanning both world wars is to be opened in the North-East.

 

Rare items, including uniforms, flying helmets with goggles, flags and models are to be displayed publicly in Dipton, near Stanley in County Durham.

 

The museum is the idea of former steelworker and salesman Ian Wilson, who lives in the village, and currently sells collectables online to enthusiasts around the world.

 

Mr Wilson, 52, a father-of-six, said: “We have got some incredibly rare items.

 

 

“We have people walk in and see the collection and their jaws hit the floor. It generates huge excitement.

 

“People do not expect to see what they see. Obviously, this is the centenary of the outbreak of World War One, but the interest is ongoing for collectors.”

 

The Museum of Aviation Memorabilia is above the Country Fields cafe on Co-Operative Terrace in Dipton.

 

It is currently open for pre-arranged visits and will be open to the public this summer.