Beaulieu's National Motor Museum to open permanent mid-century Britain exhibit

Beaulieu's National Motor Museum is to open a new exhibition that will look at mid-century Britain.

The new permanent exhibit, Streets Ahead: Motoring in Mid-Century Britain, will feature a typical street from the years following the Second World War.

The exhibit aims to present a view of social history through vehicles from that era, which will help transport visitors back to the post-war period of the 1950s to the 1970s.

Among the exhibits will be a number of original objects from the Museum’s comprehensive collection, many being exhibited for the first time.

Displays will include a toy store with beloved toys of the time, a clothing shop with motoring clothes and accessories, and a travel agency that highlighted the added mobility and holiday options for the masses will all be included.

In line with the theme, museum chief executive, Jon Murden said: "The re-development of this section of the Museum into Streets Ahead is a wonderful addition to our displays.

"It is an opportune moment to look back, at a time when the high-street is experiencing yet another revolution in shopping habits."

Senior curator, Gail Stewart-Bye said: "The decades following the Second World War saw full employment, a growing population, greater affluence, the emergence of the ‘teenager’ as a distinct sector of society, and an explosion in the affordability and availability of consumer goods, all of which fuelled a booming economy."

She also said: "Mass motor vehicle ownership, and the freedom for everyone to travel, was part of the shared experience of post-war life.

"Through travel, fashion, in entertainment, and while growing up, motoring became a significant part of popular culture."

The gallery will showcase cars, bikes and other vehicles that were once part of everyday life, including an Austin A40 Somerset from 1953, Standard Vanguard from 1951, Triumph Herald from 1960, and a Mini from 1959.

Motorcycles will include a BSA Sunbeam Scooter from 1964 and a Triumph Twin 3TA from 1962.

The exhibition will open over the Bank Holiday weekend, May 25, 26, and 27 2024, with actors from the Gobledegook theatre company assuming the roles from mid-century Britain, including a traffic warren, bus conductor, and motor salesman spiv.

More details are available on the museum's website.