THE NEW-LOOK Norton Collection Museum is set to be officially opened by Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid at 11.30am on November 25.
The building has undergone a massive revamp and now has a new glass frontage, double staircase and lift, improving accessibility so the collection can be enjoyed by even more people.
Dennis Norton, owner of the Norton Collection, has also recently acquired eight rare statues made by the Bromsgrove Guild in the 1930s.
They will take pride of place as part of a new exhibit.
The Bromsgrove Guild members were master craftsmen and, among other items, created the famous Liver Birds statues and the Buckingham Palace gates.
Another exhibit showcases items from Bromsgrove’s old railway station, including lamps used on trains, signalling devices, name plates, running boards and cast iron foot scrapers from outside the station master’s house which are identical to those outside Number 10 Downing Street.
The former station’s balcony is another highlight for rail enthusiasts and other visitors to enjoy.
The museum also boasts what is believed to be the only two remaining 1920s Banshee motorcycles in the country and one has a wicker sidecar, which is even rarer.
And the nailmaking exhibit – another craft Bromsgrove is famous for – has also been updated.
Dennis said: “I’m really pleased with the statues and the way the building has turned out.
“Previously this building – and the previous one we were in – looked a bit drab but this is wonderful.
“I honestly think we have one of the finest private collections in the Midlands and now we have a building befitting to house it.”
Dennis is also appealing for volunteers to help run the museum.
Anyone who wants to volunteer can call him on 01527 919531.
