We are down at The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu but not to visit the actual museum but instead we’re here to have a look at the hidden archives below the museum, known as the Collection Centre.
We are very pleased to be allowed down at the Collection Centre where our fantastic guide, Gail, talks us through some of the exhibits that don't make it into the National Motor Museum.
There is an outstanding collection of automobilia with racks and racks of rare enamel signs, some of which you will recognise, others you won't but they are all incredibly valuable especially the wooden Ford sign which would make most collectors go crazy! And also a sign from around the 1860's which is incredibly still here today 150 + years on!
This isn’t the first time I have had the pleasure of attending the Collection Centre, last year me and some of my automobilia enthused associates had a personal viewing of the archives so when the opportunity arose for me to view and film the archives I jumped at the chance.
There is an outstanding section of petrol pump globes, the sheer value of these on display is mind blowing. There is also a wide variety of pedal cars from various makes and liveries, all with a story to tell. There is also a lot of other varied pieces of motoring history down here such as engines, petrol pumps and even a veteran car! There is boxes upon boxes of catalogued automobilia, we take a look in a few boxes and see what's inside.
There is also a wide variety of car mascots and badges, draws and draws of them which is well worth a look. The quality and rarity of some of these items on display is mind blowing. But the main thing I have taken home with me today is it’s not about the items, cars, motorbikes, signs and petrol pumps it’s about the personal story they tell.
You can clearly see the enthusiasm of the staff that work at the National Motor Museum and it really gives me hope that automobilia pieces will still continue to be stored and admired for many years to come. We would also like to say a special thank you to Gail who showed us around the Collection Centre, a thank you to the current Lord Montagu and to all the other staff who work at The National Motor Museum.
This is episode 2 of our series, The Undercover Collector, where we want to show off people's private collections that don't usually see the light of day, with the rest of the world. If you are interested in having your collection featured on this series, please get in touch with us on hardyclassics@yahoo.com
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