Will Noble - Londonist editor, and author of the book Croydonopolis: A Journey to the Greatest City That Never Was - explains how, for an all-too brief moment in time, Croydon was, in many ways, the centre of the universe.
"Whatever else it has done, Croydon Airport has certainly put Croydon on the map of Europe. Many foreigners instinctively think of Croydon when they hear the word England mentioned." - The Croydon Advertiser, 1938
In the 1920s and 30s, Croydon Airport was at the heart of a halcyon age of air travel. Imperial Airways would whisk you from Croydon to almost anywhere in the Empire. Hollywood stars, royalty and politicians poured in and out. French aristocrats flew to Croydon to get their suits tailored at Grants department store. World records were set and broken here. Those not wealthy enough to fly used the airport as a holiday resort, staying at the Aerodrome Hotel and plane-spotting from the viewing platforms. Croydon was uttered in the same breath as Paris, Cape Town and Brisbane.
Access to the ‘Forge: Industries of Croydon’ exhibition from 18:30. The talk starts at 19:00 with a Q&A session following.
General Admission: £5 (including light refreshments)
Please note this event is 18+.
Location
The talk will take place in the Braithwaite Hall, Level 1 with access to the Forge: Industries of Croydon exhibition from 6:30 at the Museum of Croydon, Level 1. Both located within the Croydon Clocktower.
Access
The Clocktower is completely wheelchair accessible.
Please email us beforehand to enquire about access requirements so we may make your visit as comfortable as possible: museum@croydon.gov.uk
Learn more: museumofcroydon.com/visit