T.W.K. CLARKE & Co. (14 Union St., later at Crown Works, 22a High St. Kingston-on-Thames and also High St., Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge)

   T.W.K. Clarke was very active from about 1906 in model making and flying, and, having a learned approach to the problems of flight, gave a number of lectures on the subject. His business originally sold models and materials and progressed to full size gliders. Later, powered machines were built, mainly to other people's designs, and propellers were a specialty. He advertised gliders from ?40 and aeroplanes from ?200, less engine, in 1909 and although the quality of the company's products was highly praised, there is evidence of only a few machines being constructed. There was little publicity given to clients' machines which may account for the few types recorded.
   From at least September 1911 to February 1913 he operated from Crown Works, the original boathouse of Alfred Burgoine, but when he moved to Hampton Wick the company appears to have supplied materials, components and models only. It is understood that Clarke joined the staff at Farnborough during the war. The premises at Kingston have long since disappeared.


CLARKE biplane glider 1906-1907

   This rather frail-looking biplane was originally fitted with a plain rectangular front elevator but later triangular extensions were added. It appears that a launching rail was first tried, but later testing was carried out as a kite, before Clarke himself accomplished glides. These took place on Cooper's Hill, now known as Telegraph Hill, near Manor Rd. South, Hinchley Wood, at the time when this was an open area. Subsequent trials took place near Aldershot.

   Data
   Span upper 39ft
   Span lower 31ft
   Chord 5ft 3in


CLARKE biplane glider 1909-1910

   This equal span biplane with tail mounted elevators and rudder was probably inspired by one of the Chanute types. The operator rested on pads under his arms, on the rails of the main frame, and stood in the cutaway in the center section of the bottom plane and could perhaps transfer his weight to the rear spar when in flight. Two levers controlled the rudder and elevators, which could also be warped independently.
   The glider was first shown at the Stanley Show at the Agricultural Hall, Islington in November 1909 and has survived in the Science Museum's National Collection. It has recently been exhibited at the RAF Museum, Hendon.

   Data
   Span 22ft
   Chord 3ft 9in
   Length 10ft


CLARKE glider 1910

   A simple tailless glider was designed by Clarke especially for The Aero, which published working drawings on 12 December 1910 to enable their readers to build the machine. It was an equal span biplane with a forward mounted elevator earned on double booms. There was no fin or rudder and no ailerons or provision for wing warping.
   The aviator picked up the glider and ran down a hill with it until flying speed was reached. He then lifted himself bodily on to the machine with his feet on the skids. His right hand operated the elevator by means of a cable mounted on a wing strut.

   Data
   Span 24ft
   Chord 4ft 3 in
   Length 14ft lin
   Height 5ft 11 in
   Weight c. 120lb


CLARKE monoplane glider 1918

   During 1918 a tailless monoplane glider with considerable sweep-back and tip mounted ailerons was photographed in the Farnborough area. It is not known if this had official backing or was a private venture and may even have been a survivor from Clarke's prewar activities.