Karl Longbottom, Kitemaker and Kite Designer

Karl Longbottom, an engineer by trade, has been a kite designer and kite maker for over twenty years. Working from home in the wilds of the English/Welsh borders he produces a range of both traditional and new designs.

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; regularly winning competitions for design and innovation.

Karl's own designs include Swifts, Swallows, Doves, 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. He also produces the old favourites; Rokkakus, Rollers, Pipas, Hexagons, Dunton Deltas, Box Kites, Edos and the Papillion. The kites are all made by Karl himself to the highest standard, using the best available materials. Karl incorporates tie-dye panels into some of his kites.

Karl undertakes commissions on a regular basis and is well known for reproducing historic kites in modern materials; his latest challenge was to reproduce the 'Sportsman's Kite' originally produced by Dart's Kites from the late 1880s.

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.