When talking about a museum, we should be careful when using the word “new”. Not a lot in most museums is “new”. Perhaps a better word to have used for this title would have been “changed” – but then “new” does make a better headline! However, enough of semantics!
An instant impression gained on wandering around the museum today is that staff and volunteers have been incredibly busy over the winter months. Not only is there a “new” car on display in Windrush Alley, but the Toy Gallery has also been completely refreshed and Brum has had a well-deserved “make-over”.
Starting with the approach to the museum, visitors will notice a beautiful ice-cream van parked on the forecourt.
This 1962, Bedford CA Ice Cream Van, known as Bertie, is complete with its jingle and can be found selling Marshfield Farms ice creams outside the museum during the summer months.
Once inside the museum, there are many small changes as you pass through the Mill Gallery and the Blacksmith’s Workshop, but one of the biggest changes is in Windrush Alley. Here you will now find a 1929 Brooklands Riley. Those with a really long memory may recall that this car used to be on display in the museum from the time Mike Cavanagh purchased the Old Mill in 1978 until it was sold to CSMA, now Boundless, in 1999.
This Riley is one of fewer than 100 produced between 1928 and 1932 and is certainly worthy of its return to the collection.
The Toy Gallery has had a complete refurbishment, it is more open, brighter and with a fresh layout. Indeed, some of the new display cases are still to arrive during March to complete the refurbishment.
One of the main beneficiaries of the changes in the gallery has been Brum. Those who follow Brum’s posts on this blog, may recall that back in July last year he was a tad outspoken that, as a real car, he had been moved from the Mill Gallery, amongst all the other cars, to the Toy Gallery.
Well, he should be happier now. Just look at the “star” treatment he has received!
So, the best way to see what is “new” (or what has “changed”), is to pay us a visit. 2026 really does mark a year of significant change for the museum and there is still more to come as the year progresses.
In the early decades of the 20th century, Monsieur Clément-Bayard, a great French industrialist, made his fortune in the manufacture of bicycles and automobiles. He was also well known for the construction of airships, some of which were up to 80 metres long. One of his creations has just made an appearance in the museum (Spoiler alert: it isn’t the airship).
For those whose vocabulary includes the phrase “mods and rockers” the imminent arrival of a novel, 2-wheeled transport from the 1960s that, frankly, neither the “mods” nor the “rockers” would be seen dead riding, could turn some heads.
More on both of these “new” acquisitions very shortly.