35 year celebrations at the Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Brighton Toy and Model Museum welcomed friends, supporters and members of the local community for a very special celebration beneath Brighton Station.
The event marked the official opening of the museum’s striking new frontage, unveiled by its new Honorary Patron, Lady Judy McAlpine. President of the National Transport Trust and Patron of the Railway Heritage Trust, Lady Judy shares the passion of her late husband, Sir William McAlpine, for preserving Britain’s railway and mechanical heritage.
The new entrance allows passers-by to see inside the museum and forms an important part of the wider regeneration of the Trafalgar Street underpass. The project has transformed a previously overlooked gateway to the North Laine into a brighter and more welcoming space for residents, visitors and people using Brighton Station.
The museum was delighted to thank the organisations and individuals whose support helped to make the work possible, including the Railway Heritage Trust, South East Community Rail Partnership, Southern Railway and the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, alias Wire Workers.
The gathering also celebrated 35 years since museum founder Chris Littledale first opened the museum in 1991. Chris, a world-renowned tinsmith and former consultant to Christie’s, was presented with a specially made Tin Man figure in recognition of his extraordinary contribution. He then treated the audience to an unforgettable performance, recreating the sounds of steam locomotives in astonishing detail.
Guests heard lively speeches from outgoing Chair Vic Michel, new Chair Nigel Grinstead, Deputy Chair Steve Crump OBE and Museum Manager Jan Etches.
Nigel has enjoyed a highly successful career in the health and care sector, and is a fellow of the Institute of Directors. He brings a lifelong passion for vintage toys and trains, having previously run the Sidmouth Toy and Train Museum.
Steve has worked at a senior level across major humanitarian organisations and founded DeafKidz International. He is also an enthusiastic collector of Captain Scarlet toys and memorabilia.
That particular passion will come to the fore next year, when the museum plans a major exhibition celebrating the 60th anniversary of Captain Scarlet, in partnership with Anderson Entertainment and ITV.
Work has begun on an ambitious new strategy for the museum, including plans to secure additional space so more of its world-class collection can be displayed. This would also allow the museum to introduce more contemporary collectables alongside its historic toys and model railways.
There has also been encouraging progress towards a potential new rebranding as the National Toy and Model Museum in Brighton. With a revitalised entrance, new leadership and ambitious plans for the future, the museum’s 35th anniversary is just the beginning of its next great adventure.
