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Sussex Industrial History: Journal of the Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society: Gatwick. The Evolution of an Airport, by John King, published 1986 (issue no. 16, 68 pp., Sussex Industrial History, ISBN-10: 0951203606 & ISBN-13: 9780951203606ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 9930] & The Keep [LIB/506526] & R.I.B.A. Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries Download PDF
Foreward by Air Marshall Sir Frederick Sowrey, K.C.B., C.B.E., A.F.C:This is a story of determination and endeavour in the face of many difficulties - the site, finance and "the authorities" - which had to be overcome in the significant achievement of the world's first circular airport terminal building. A concept which seems commonplace now was very revolutionary fifty years ago, and it was the foresight of those who achieved so much which springs from the pages of John King's fascinating narrative.
Although a building is the central character, the story rightly involves people because it was they who had to agonise over the decisions which were necessary to achieve anything. They had the vision, but they had to convince others: they had to raise the cash, to generate the publicity, to supervise the work - often in the face of opposition to Gatwick as a commercial airfield.
My own introduction to the Beehive came six years after it was opened when the squadrons at the grass airfield that was war-time Gatwick used the building as a Headquarters. As well as the administrative centre. it also housed the Link instrument flying trainers on which we practised our developing skills. Some of those whose achievements are the thread of this story were still living locally and were hospitality itself to the Royal Air Force pilots using their brainchild.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about a remarkable building is that it is still around. No one has demolished it, yet it is not now used as a terminal. Although it never achieved the success hoped for, successive owners have recognised its worth. All credit to Gatwick Airport Limited, (formerly the British Airports Authority) for marking the 50th Anniversary by publishing a work of historical significance which will materially help to achieve the preservation of the building it portrays.
Although a building is the central character, the story rightly involves people because it was they who had to agonise over the decisions which were necessary to achieve anything. They had the vision, but they had to convince others: they had to raise the cash, to generate the publicity, to supervise the work - often in the face of opposition to Gatwick as a commercial airfield.
My own introduction to the Beehive came six years after it was opened when the squadrons at the grass airfield that was war-time Gatwick used the building as a Headquarters. As well as the administrative centre. it also housed the Link instrument flying trainers on which we practised our developing skills. Some of those whose achievements are the thread of this story were still living locally and were hospitality itself to the Royal Air Force pilots using their brainchild.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about a remarkable building is that it is still around. No one has demolished it, yet it is not now used as a terminal. Although it never achieved the success hoped for, successive owners have recognised its worth. All credit to Gatwick Airport Limited, (formerly the British Airports Authority) for marking the 50th Anniversary by publishing a work of historical significance which will materially help to achieve the preservation of the building it portrays.