Brazil-born, UK-based artist Liam Bononi interpreted the story of Luton resident and Shorts Brothers employee, William Mason.

William dreamt of building and flying his own aircraft, and one day his dream came close to reality.

Living in Magpie Hall Road, a fully built aeroplane crafted by him and his family stood in their back garden in September 1939. With a pilot’s licence in hand and collapsible wings designed so it could be towed, William had planned every possible detail.

But on the day of its test flight the Second World War broke out, grounding all private aircraft. Although William waited patiently for peace, hoping at last to take to the skies, post-war restrictions meant he never flew his plane, named the Luton Minor.