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Alex Henshaw took up flying in 1932 and aviation soon became his passion. His skill was matched by increasing ambitions to tour across Europe and to take part in competitions and races. The King's Cup represented the pinnacle of amateur flying achievement during the 1930s and Henshaw was determined to win it. With a specially modified Percival Mew Gull he did so in 1938 and went on, in the following year, to undertake a very different type of flying experience - the long distance solo record flight to Cape Town and back. A more nerve-racking, gruelling and exhausting exercise in such a tiny aeroplane it would be hard to imagine, but his exceptional skill and determination allowed him to pull it off to world acclaim.

As well as various navigational aids Alex took these unusual sunglasses with him on his record breaking flight. The 'clam shell' sides helped to prevent glare as he flew high above the clouds.