Published: Wednesday, 14th May 2025
The “life and legacy” of Reginald Mitchell will be celebrated in a day of events on the 130th anniversary of his birth.
The Supermarine Spitfire designer was born on 20 May 1895 in Kidsgrove and moved to Normacot shortly after he was born.
Invited guests will gather in the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery at 10.30am on Tuesday 20 May for an event to remember his lasting contribution to engineering and the aeronautical industry.
A host of speakers have been arranged, including Julian Mitchell, Reginald’s great nephew and Paul Beaver, Trustee of the National Spitfire Project and the author of Spitfire People, Spitfire Evolution and Mitchell – Father of the Spitfire.
The event is by invitation and tickets are limited. Residents of Stoke-on-Trent can request tickets by contacting karen.convey@stoke.gov.uk
In the afternoon, the staff at the Reginald Mitchell pub in Hanley have organised an event for guests and veterans including the Tri-Services.
The team at the JD Wetherspoon pub on Parliament Row is inviting veterans to attend from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and enjoy a hot drink and a slice of a large Spitfire cake being made for the occasion.
Mr Mitchell will host a quiz for customers from 4.30pm with the winning team receiving a 12-piece vintage prints dinner set from Churchill China, the same tableware used by Wetherspoons, valued at over £150.
The pub will have a display of aeroplanes designed by children from Reginald Mitchell Primary School. The bar will be stocked with a range of beer featuring names all linked to aviation and the city’s centenary.
Guests will be encouraged to make paper aeroplanes to take part in a fun competition for charity. Entrants will launch their plane off the top bar balcony to see which one flies the furthest. Entry is £2 with proceeds going to the Young Lives vs Cancer charity.
A series of events to celebrate Reginal Mitchell’s birthday week are planned in the pub.
Cllr Steve Watkins, Deputy Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “This special day will look back at the life of Reginald Mitchell and how his work has inspired generations of engineers since he passed away at 42. He and his team led the world in aircraft design. It’s part of our centenary celebrations and will tell his story and look at how his legacy is encouraging young engineers to take up a career in the industry today.
“It’s been great to work with the staff at the Reginald Mitchell pub who are making plans to mark this occasion throughout the week with other events. They’re keen to encourage veterans to pop in and enjoy a chat and catch-up over tea and cake while learning more about Reginald.”
Julian Mitchell said: “130 years on and RJ is still making a real impact on our local community and beyond. Celebrating his engineering genius and design creativity is at the heart of our Operation Spitfire for Schools project.
“We’re helping students understand what is possible in their futures and highlight examples of local people who have done amazing things.”
Debbie Whittingham, Regional Manager and Employee Director at JD Wetherspoons, said: “It is fantastic to have the opportunity to join in the celebrations for both the centenary of Stoke-on-Trent and Reginald Mitchell’s birthday celebrations. The Reginald Mitchell is a beautiful and historic building, and we are very proud to be able to honour his name and legacy.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to share a fun week of events and to celebrate this legend of a man. We want to show our pride in Stoke-on-Trent and its incredible legacy to the world as one of the great cities of the industrial revolution.
“This was thanks to the creative, hardworking and spirited people of this city who made it all happen.”
Events in The Reginald Mitchell pub
- Monday 19 May: 7pm - History talk with local social media star ‘Jenna the Red Haired Stokie’. Small charge, all going to charity.
- Wednesday 21 May: 11am - History talk in the upstairs bar area from local historian Mervyn Edwards. £5 entry ‘The lost pubs of Hanley’. ‘Why were they built and how did they survive so long? Who were the landlords and patrons associated with them – and how many do you remember?’
- 7pm - Film night. Battle of Britain to be shown on the big screen with a 1940s fancy dress competition. Prize for the best dressed.
- Thursday 22 May: 7pm-9pm Pottery in the Pub. A pottery workshop hosted by the Clay Rooms. £30 per person (£5 going to Young Lives vs Cancer charity). Visit theclayrooms.co.uk to book. Free tea and coffee.
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