Authors: Ali Fujino, Scott Skinner
Date Submitted: May 31, 2001
Article Type: Journal

Thirty five kite enthusiasts, many with years of kite flying and kite making behind them, were carried back in time by the historical kite experts at The Drachen Foundation’s first historical kite gathering in Haltern, Germany. Organized on site by Achim and Sabine Kinter from nearby Gelsenkirchen, the participants were promised a look at historical documents, antique kites, and kite building techniques from 100 years ago. After a quiet evening of introductions and housekeeping, a slide presentation of Alexander Graham Bell and his kites (courtesy of the Bell Museum and the Foundation), and general excitement over books, documents, and artifacts, the seminars began in earnest on Saturday morning.

Hans Snoek of the Drachenarchiv presented interesting facts and figures about Germany’s famous Steiff Roloplan. Interestingly, the subject changed to preservation of collections and a spirited discussion ensued centered around the question, “How do we make sure this historical information is not lost?” Not an easy question to answer, by any means, but the consensus seemed to be that the most valuable thing we can do as caretakers of historical information is to make sure the kite community knows where those pockets of information exist. It will always be a personal decision for collectors to plan the disposition of their collections upon death, but if family and friends know the worth of these materials to the kite community at large, then, chances are, the archives can be passed on to caring members of the kite community.

Two non-German presenters, Frits Sauve of the Netherlands, and Jan Desimpeleare of Belgium presented a wealth of historical kite information – both with an emphasis on using found information to build replica kites. The sophisticated kites and specific kite making techniques of Lucien Frantzen are a specialty of Frits and he brought at least four examples for hands-on examination. Jan started with a slide show tour of his kite sanctuary and didn’t manage to discuss his specialty of military manlifting. He expertly discussed the decentre cellular kites of Marc Pujo and Roch Donzella, and his quest for Russian kite information from a variety of sources, including Sergei Ul’janin’s granddaughter, who coincidentally lives within 20 km of Jan.


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