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Dorothy Spicer

(1908-1946), Aviator; aeronautical engineer

Sitter in 2 portraits
Spicer broke through many barriers as a female aviator to become qualified in aeronautical engineering and co-founder of several businesses. In 1929, she met Pauline Gower while learning to fly at the London Aeroplane Club and soon after became business partners. Spicer's skills for repairing air crafts were quickly honed during her time working for the Cromson Fleet air circus and she became the first woman to hold an advanced engineer's licenses, previously only offered to men. Gower and Spicer set up a successful business for holiday makers and, in 1938, wrote Women with Wings about their experiences. During World War II, she joined her husband in Farnborough as a research assistant and helped to develop several new aircrafts as part of the war effort.

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Dorothy Spicer, by Bassano Ltd - NPG x85074

Dorothy Spicer

by Bassano Ltd
bromide print, circa 1938
NPG x85074

Dorothy Spicer, by Bassano Ltd - NPG x85665

Dorothy Spicer

by Bassano Ltd
bromide print, March 1938
NPG x85665

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