Brighton Toy and Model Museum brightens Trafalgar Street again
The Brighton Toy and Model Museum, which is currently lighting up the Trafalgar Street underpass with major regeneration works, can now announce two exciting new developments.
In addition to the new 20-foot glazed entrance, heritage lighting and restored murals, the museum has announced two new initiatives that will continue the regeneration of Trafalgar Street: a creative partnership with Grow Wild at Kew Gardens and a Crowdfunder campaign to complete decorative restoration works to the façade.
A mural to celebrate nature and community
The museum has been chosen as Brighton Station’s partner group for Grow Wild on the Railway, a collaboration between Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Grow Wild, the national outreach programme of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Ten youth-led projects will take place at stations along the Southern Railway route, each designed to champion native UK plants and fungi while bringing creativity and nature into community spaces.
In Brighton, the project will see a vibrant new mural created at the top of Trafalgar Street, on a neglected wall outside the station. The artwork will be led by local artist Daryl Bennett (Sinna One), working with a youth group to design and paint the vibrant piece. Known for his energetic, characterful murals inspired by comics, music and graffiti culture, Sinna One will collaborate with the museum to celebrate both Brighton’s identity and the beauty of native flora.
“This project is about inspiring local pride and creativity while continuing to brighten the area,” says Jan Etches, Museum Manager. “The new mural complements the wider regeneration beautifully. It will make the station approach a place that feels alive, positive and welcoming.”
The museum is also in the process of applying for an additional £1k towards the cost from the the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership (CRP).
Crowdfunder launch: the final decorative phase
With £220,000 already raised for the main structural works, signage, lighting and CCTV, the museum is now launching a Crowdfunder to raise an additional £7,500 to complete the decorative phase. The funds will cover exterior paintwork across all four arches, restoration of the three stucco columns, attention to the Brighton Belle murals, and anti-graffiti coatings to preserve the improvements for years to come.
“This final phase is the finishing touch,” adds Etches. “It’s the difference between renovation and regeneration. It’s a chance to celebrate the museum’s new era in full colour.”
The museum’s role as a station partner, its connection with Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and its commitment to improving the public realm continue to demonstrate how culture and community can work hand in hand to enhance the city’s heritage spaces.
The Brighton Toy and Model Museum is available for corporate hires and networking events – it is a venue unlike any other.
For more information on the regeneration, upcoming events, or to support the Crowdfunder, visit www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk.
