Karl Longbottom, Kite Gallery

The kite gallery features a selection of Karl's custom kites in flight.

18 Wing Salmon Kite

The prototype of Karl's most recent commission by John Dobson; a copy of an 18 wing kite designed by Salmon in 1907.

Pyrodelta

A recent commission by George Webster; a white pyrodelta.

Pomoceff

Also commissioned by George Webster; this is the prototype.

Tie Dye Shorts

Uniquely patterned shorts, first seen flying in India, January 2008.

Jamaican Pants

Custom made for Courtney.

Pants & Shorts.

Kindly modelled by Mitsuo Yokoyama, his wife Toshiko and Karl.

Iris Rokkaku (2.4m)

This Kite was made for the 2001 Sunderland Kite Festival Auction, and was bought by John Dobson.

Crane Rokkaku (2.4m)

Made for Bryn Baggaley who wanted something a bit different.

Kiss Two Edo

This is the first Edo made by Karl in 1995 and is still flying. The graphics are taken from Litchenstein's pop art classic Kiss II, but executed in black and white. The kite confuses many people as it is difficult to 'see' the graphic until the kite is in the sky.

Hereford Fighter

A large rectangular kite with patch work decoration inspired by Native American textiles.

Multi-jib

A modern version of an old Mark Cotterell design.

Friendship Kite

This 100m long kite was a special commission by Sunderland Council in 2005 to replace the existing Japanese built Friendship Kite.

Mockform

A double size version of Don Mock's  inflatable.

Brogden

Commissioned by John Dobson.

Double Parasled

Commissioned by Phil Womack.

Waldof Box

Commissioned by John Wilcox, one of six identical kites.

Sky Symphony Banner.

Photos of Iris Rok by John Dobson. Sky Symphony Banner photo by Lloyd Kirton. Double Parasled by Phil Womack.