Bristol aviation history pioneer Oliver Dearden dies aged 92

05 Dec, 2023
By Bea Swallow , BBC
Bristol
Aerospace Bristol WWI Bristol fighter plane

Oliver Dearden, an influential figure in preserving Bristol's aviation history, has died aged 92.


Mr Dearden was a pioneering contributor and long-serving volunteer for the Bristol Aero Collection Trust (BACT).


Under his direction, BACT funded restoration projects and acquired many iconic aircrafts for the Aerospace Bristol exhibition.


In 2021, he received an OBE for his services to cultural heritage in the aviation industry.


Sir Iain Gray CBE, chair of the BACT, paid tribute at the time to Mr Dearden, as one of the charity's founding fathers.


"He has been instrumental in establishing the museum's collection, preserving important objects to inspire future generations and celebrating Bristol's many remarkable aerospace achievements," he said.


"We are delighted by this recognition of his long-standing service and enormous contribution to our aviation heritage," Mr Gray added.

Comments

Login to comment
© 2025. FlightSync. All Rights Reserved
Join our mailing list