Model Pilatus aeroplane
Production date
1985
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Description
This model Pilatus aeroplane, made from an old butter oil tin and a cigarette paper packet, was gifted to Claire Bertschinger, an International Red Cross nurse, during her time in Ethiopia in the 1980s.
Its simple yet ingenious design captured my imagination. One can noticeably see the red cross emblem on its tail. Despite the desperate conditions faced by the population of Ethiopia in the 1980s, the person who made it was still able to find enough inspiration to carefully craft this model and express their gratitude and appreciation for the help given by others. Whilst such conditions could arguably lead many people to feel apathetic, the model maker was empowered by the help that was being offered. The community was still able to express their love and appreciation for the help and support they received during this time. This really illustrates how powerful the Red Cross is. The Red Cross stands as a symbol of hope and light in times of adversity. Bringing people together, the organisation is a great demonstration of universal love and our innate humanity.
This story is made even more profound and amazing by the fact that it was these very images of Ethiopia, mired by the effects of civil war and famine, during the 1980s, that were captured by a BBC television crew and were later seen by Bob Geldof. Bertschinger was working in a feeding centre in Mekele where she faced the excruciating issue of only having enough to feed 300 starving children, whilst thousands went without food. These images of Ethiopia touched the lives of many, and led Bob Geldof to set up Band Aid. The public response to this crisis was overwhelming, with over £150 million being raised during Live Aid.
To me, the story behind this model really illustrates the innate humanity in all of us. From the work carried out by Bertschinger on the front line, to the genius, creative abilities of the model maker, to Bob Geldof, and finally to the people of the world, it is clear to see that love is innate within each and every one of us. Creating the spaces in which people can work from the goodness within themselves to realise their aspirations and values is important. It’s essential to create spaces for voice and storytelling; together we can learn, enriching life for all.
Audio recording by Charlotte Davies (Volunteer), Birmingham.
Its simple yet ingenious design captured my imagination. One can noticeably see the red cross emblem on its tail. Despite the desperate conditions faced by the population of Ethiopia in the 1980s, the person who made it was still able to find enough inspiration to carefully craft this model and express their gratitude and appreciation for the help given by others. Whilst such conditions could arguably lead many people to feel apathetic, the model maker was empowered by the help that was being offered. The community was still able to express their love and appreciation for the help and support they received during this time. This really illustrates how powerful the Red Cross is. The Red Cross stands as a symbol of hope and light in times of adversity. Bringing people together, the organisation is a great demonstration of universal love and our innate humanity.
This story is made even more profound and amazing by the fact that it was these very images of Ethiopia, mired by the effects of civil war and famine, during the 1980s, that were captured by a BBC television crew and were later seen by Bob Geldof. Bertschinger was working in a feeding centre in Mekele where she faced the excruciating issue of only having enough to feed 300 starving children, whilst thousands went without food. These images of Ethiopia touched the lives of many, and led Bob Geldof to set up Band Aid. The public response to this crisis was overwhelming, with over £150 million being raised during Live Aid.
To me, the story behind this model really illustrates the innate humanity in all of us. From the work carried out by Bertschinger on the front line, to the genius, creative abilities of the model maker, to Bob Geldof, and finally to the people of the world, it is clear to see that love is innate within each and every one of us. Creating the spaces in which people can work from the goodness within themselves to realise their aspirations and values is important. It’s essential to create spaces for voice and storytelling; together we can learn, enriching life for all.
Audio recording by Charlotte Davies (Volunteer), Birmingham.
Collection Type
Objects
Production Place
Media/Materials
Catalogue Number
937/4
Associated Person and Role
Given to: Claire Bertschinger
Associated Place
Associated Person
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Object Types
Place Made
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