Older Brooklands Videos (Before 2000)
This unique collection of archive footage documents the formative years of Brooklands Museum and the remarkable efforts made to preserve it. Following the closure of aircraft production and the retirement of Sir Barnes Wallis, much of the area that now forms Brooklands Museum was left neglected and overgrown. Although several organisations attempted to secure its future, it was not until 1984 that a 99-year lease was granted, allowing the museum to begin taking shape.
Soon afterwards, National Rescue, under the direction of Andy Lambert, moved onto the site and became closely involved in many of the early preservation projects. What began as requests to help move heavy objects soon developed into the recovery and transport of historic vehicles, aircraft and artefacts that would become part of the museum's growing collection. This playlist contains rare footage filmed during those pioneering years and records many of the challenges involved in creating the museum visitors see today. It was some time ago so the image quality varies, but their true value lies in the fact that they are genuine historical recordings made while the work was actually taking place.
Much of what appears in these films has since changed, disappeared, or been restored beyond recognition. As a result, this collection provides a rare visual record of Brooklands during its transition from a neglected former aviation and motorsport site into one of Britain's most important transport museums.
All videos in this playlist
See also the companion playlist of the Brooklands Museum Archive from 2000 to the present day, and the story of Miss Milly Tant, the National Rescue recovery vehicle that features throughout these early years.
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