Elton John

Having sold over 300 million records worldwide, Elton John is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. With a career spanning over six decades, he has released a plethora of hits, such as 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart', 'Your Song', 'Tiny Dancer', and of course, 'Rocket Man'. John has been heavily involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s. In 1992 he established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has since raised over £300 million. 

I have made Elton John's rocket from an original and rare 1953 Rocket Patrol coin-operated kiddie ride, originally produced from surplus WWII wing mounted fuel tanks. The ride was made in conjunction with ‘Fireball XL5’ a 1960’s British Children’s Science fiction TV series.

Elton’s body is crafted from an early 1960’s BSA Triumph petrol tank with two rear wheel suspension rods for arms. Original dominos dating 1900’s from black Makassar wood and natural white material/ bone line the wings. The empire microphone on the nose of the rocket was created by Birmingham-born inventor Michal Gerzon of Southfield Ltd. The headlamp is from Lucas Factory's Shaftmoor Lane site.

Components:

1945 Wing mounted fuel tank from WWII fighter jet

1890’s Ebony and bone dominos – 166

1960 Triumph petrol tank

1960’s Ford tractor jacks

1960’s Triumph carrier cage

1990’s rear suspension rods

1960’s Ice cream scoops

1960’s Aluminium forks

1960’s Lucite bangles

1960’s vintage diamond brooches

1960’s Empire sprung microphone

1960’s hat hanger

1990’s Whiskey Barrel

1970-90 Various shop front letters