Sewerby Hall Museum near Bridlington has acquired some exciting new artefacts, courtesy of a donor (Mrs. Susan Robey) all the way from Australia.
They include an original rolled map from Amy’s 1930 solo flight from England to Australia, marked with distances and compass bearings. This is the only known section of her Australia flight map to have survived.
Other unique items donated include:
Ronald Gordon’s pilot’s log book, which on 16th June 1930, records a flight that he took with Amy at Laverton, Victoria.
Part of a commemorative song sheet ‘The Lone Girl Flyer’.
Gipsy Moth aircraft engine maintenance booklets.
A china plate with images and dates relating to Amy’s flight and a booklet with lecture notes by the donor’s father K.J.T. Robey M.B.E., both produced in 1980.
First day cover from 2002 (the 72nd anniversary of the Australia flight).
A tea towel reproducing a Daily Express page about Amy’s flight.
Daily Telegraph article covering Senja Robey’s 1980 recreation of Amy’s flight from Brisbane to Sydney, undertaken as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Amy’s flight.
Several of these artefacts, including the map, were acquired by the donor’s mother Senja Robey (who was also a pilot) from an auction in 1994. They were part of a collection previously belonging to Australian pilot, wing Commander Ronald Gordon, who met Amy during her time in Australia. Senja Robey was awarded the British Empire Medal for her contribution to aviation.
The later commemorative items show the continued interest in Amy’s remarkable achievements over the decades since her historic flights.
Councillor Barbara Jefferson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for heritage and coastal, said:
‘’This generous donation has made a significant difference to the Amy Johnson collection at Sewerby Hall. The new items help to paint a clearer picture of Amy Johnson’s extraordinary career as a pioneering pilot and navigator, bringing this piece of history to life.’’
All of these objects and documents are now on display at Sewerby Hall Museum.
For Sewerby Hall and Gardens opening times and to buy your tickets online, please visit: www.sewerbyhall.co.uk
