Lord Austin’s office moving to the British Motor Museum
The British Motor Museum and MG Motor UK have made an agreement that will ensure that the future of Lord Austin’s office will be guaranteed long-term. Known by the workforce as ‘The Old Man’s Office’, it was in this office that many important decisions were made. The office was preserved after Austin’s death, but was moved to a location that has not been accessible to the public due to operational requirements at the plant.
The office will be re-established at the British Motor Museum and displayed to the thousands who visit Gaydon every year. The museum’s curatorial team have spent the last few months recording and cataloguing all fixtures, fittings and objects before the process of moving the office to the museum begins.
Head of Collections at the museum, Stephen Laing said, “We’re honoured to be the new home for Lord Austin’s Office. It joins many other significant artefacts from Longbridge’s history in the Museum and Archive, including the one-millionth car to be produced by Austin in 1946 and some of Herbert Austin’s personal possessions and papers. It will also join the office of William Morris, Austin’s great rival, which has been preserved at the Museum for many years.”
MG Motor UK’s Marketing Director, David Pugh commented, “MG is very aware of the importance of its custodial role for the proud heritage of the Longbridge site. In the British Motor Museum we have found a partner who will make Lord Austin’s Office accessible to many more people and has the expert staff to care for its future.”
The museum is currently preparing the exhibition space for the arrival of the office and is planning a fundraising programme for it’s rebuilding and to bring a fresh interpretation about the Office and Herbert Austin with a view to opening the display to the public later on in the year.
Find out more about the British Motor Museum on their website.
What do you think about the move of Lord Austin's office? Will you be visiting the British Motor Museum to see it?
Pity they did not leave Herbert Austin's office where it was and maintain the main office building and have a museum on the Longbridge site. Great that the Gaydon Heritage Centre has stepped in and I am sure they will do a great job.
MGZT driver, 02/07/2021
Not before time, it was always a concern that it would be disposed of. Mom 99 who's friend was the daughter of one of Lord Austin's original new car testers and inspectors sadly no longer here to hear the good news but as an Ex, BMC BL Service department worker I am pleased someone has at last respected one of Birmingham's biggest and greatest employers well done you!!
"moggybrian", 01/07/2021
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