A night that was filled with dancing, food, and good vibes was accompanied by the very things that brought us together in the first place. The museum was proud to showcase some of our favourite Wardair pieces—some of which had never been on display before. Wardair, known for setting the standard in aviation—from its uniforms to its cuisine—set a high bar that we were honoured to highlight.
From days gone by, when china patterns were chosen from a catalogue, we placed some of our own delicate pieces front and center. During the 1960s, Wardair prided itself on serving meals on Royal Doulton china—premium British-made pottery. In today’s world of plastic cutlery and paper napkins, it’s hard to imagine a time when fine china and glass were the norm at 30,000 feet. Guests reminisced about long-haul flights to England or Hawaii, where passengers were treated to multi-course meals worthy of a fine restaurant.
Our displays also paid tribute to the airline’s glory days by featuring the dedicated flight attendants—then known as stewardesses. The museum was fortunate to display several Wardair uniform renditions, including a striking blue ensemble featuring a pleated skirt, jacket, white gloves, and the signature hat perched just so. It turned heads and served as a perfect example of the elegance and discipline of the era.
Another uniform on display took a very different approach. In celebration of Wardair’s tropical destinations, such as Hawaii, we featured a muumuu-style dress worn by stewardesses on those sunny routes. Our particular dress had a poignant story—it had been discreetly modified by its wearer to conceal her pregnancy, as Wardair at the time did not offer maternity uniforms or allow pregnant employees to continue flying.
But the history of Wardair went beyond uniforms and fine dining. The event also featured a detailed timeline of Max Ward’s incredible legacy, with documents from the airline, letters from passengers, flight schedules to faraway destinations, and photographs that captured an unforgettable era in aviation.
It was a privilege to display objects rarely seen by the public. Throughout the evening, we heard heartfelt stories from guests who remembered flying with Wardair, or who had family members who once worked for the airline. Each personal memory—whether about a mother who was a stewardess or an uncle who piloted their planes—added depth and meaning to the event.
Our “Night with Wardair” was a truly special evening—one where we shared stories, celebrated a remarkable chapter in aviation history, and enjoyed the company of those who remember it best.
Our Speciality Exhibits:
