Flying ... not Flailing

inspired by the flight of Brother Eilmer

22 June – 7 July 2003

The writing of 12c English historian William of Malmsbury records the modestly successful glider flight of monk Eilmer of Wiltshire Abbey. Of the Benedictine order, Eilmer saw God himself as a master craftsman. Convinced he could ascend to a higher level he crafted and fastened wings to his body before taking a leap of faith from the Monastery tower. Witnesses state after gliding for the length of two football fields he plummeted to the ground leaving him crippled for life.

Legend has it that Eilmer attributed this misfortune to the lack of a tail attached to his feet. He dedicated the rest of his existence to righting this oversight, directing the construction of new wings, tail included. In vain Eilmer appealed to his fellow Monks to test the apparatus. No one volunteered; apparently their faith was not as great as his.

The art of making, itself is a leap of faith. The courage to translate an idea from the heart with the hands has always been the domain of the inventor.