After starting out making kites as a teenager during weekends and enjoying flying them, Roy—originally a car mechanic—decided at the age of 30 to turn kite-making into his business. He hasn’t looked back since, initially securing the rights to supply all other kite makers in the UK with ripstop material, which was sourced as seconds from the balloon market.
Initially Roy started selling his kites at weekends at various festivals around the UK which he really enjoyed. Over time, he gradually incorporated his own unique designs, developing a complete range of kites. These designs have since become collectible, with kite enthusiasts from around the world often seeking him out to sign their prized kites.
Roy went through a phase of making power kites, which are akin to a sailboat but used on sandy beaches or grassy areas where you would tack up and down gaining considerable speed. One of his standout designs was the Apache, a vented and valved high-powered kite that typically took around a week to craft.
Roy also went through a phase of making power kites, which are similar to sailboats but used on sandy beaches or grassy areas to tack up and down, often at considerable speed.
Many of Roy’s kites have names, including two octopus kites called Ian and Olivia. His main inspiration comes from symmetrical plants, though he also created a series of kites that look like large totem poles. While his original designs were stitched, the kites now feature printed patterns that adorn their surfaces.
Talking to Roy about the highlights of his kite-making career, a couple spring to mind. The most notable being the 2012 Olympic opening and closing ceremonies, which featured Take That. In 2016, Coldplay used props designed by Roy for their performance during the Super Bowl halftime show. Others mentioned casually by Roy include The London Lord Mayors show and the rock festival held at Glastonbury.
Why did you retire or why are you still working?
Why did you retire?
Why are you still working?
I still work every day because I love what I do. Every day is different. For example, today I received a large order from a TV company that is recreating a high-profile advertisement from years ago. That said, most days at 4 p.m., I like to make my way to the pub for a pint or two of ale.
Life expectancy 2023
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