Karl Longbottom, Kitemaker and Kite Designer

Karl Longbottom, an engineer by trade, has been a kite designer and kite maker for over twenty years.

In 2003 kitemaking became his full time business and he has gained a great reputation in the UK and abroad for the excellent quality, precision, balance and flying characteristics of his kites.

He wins competitions both in the UK and abroad for the design, innovation, angle of flight and stability of his kites.

Working from home in the wilds of the English/Welsh borders he produces a range of both traditional and new designs. These include the old favourites; Rokkakus, Rollers, Pipas, Hexagons, Altitude Sprint Kites, Box Kites, Edos and the Papillion.

Karl's own designs include Red Kites, Pants, Yakko Bees, Owls, Delta Sleds, Angels, Swans, Tangrams, Shorts, Vests and Pterodactyls plus a larger version of his Delta Sled specifically for aerial photography with its high angle of flight and stability. This design won the Edwardian Kite Competition at the Wirral Kite Festival in June 2009.

The kites are all made by Karl himself to the highest standard, using the best available materials. More recently Karl has been incorporating tie-dye panels into some of his kites.

Karl has been running kite workshops for children and adults alike for over 15 years, ranging from simple sleds to complex ripstop kites. He is regularly asked by schools and kite groups in the UK to teach his skills to others. In March 2009 he went to the Fort Worden Kitemakers Conference in the USA to teach a Swan workshop to fellow kitemakers.

Karl is the main organiser of the Herefordshire Kite Festival held at the National Trust, Berrington Hall, Leominster every July and he organised the International Kite Festival held at Penalta Parc in September 2007.

In addition to kites, Karl manufactures banners. Both the standard feather type and an inflatable design which gives the benefits of wording that reads correctly on both sides and no 'show through' of the design. All kites and banners are tailored to the customer's requirements in terms of colour, size and most importantly graphics; they can be printed or appliqued.

Contact Karl and discuss your requirements for that special kite you have always wanted or the surprise present for someone you know.

Photo of Karl taken by Andrew Beattie at Berck sur Mer in April 2009 and reproduced with his permission.