|
 Doyen
motor racing commentator Murray
Walker turned another exciting page in Beaulieu's history
today when he officially opened the new Motor Sport Gallery in
the National Motor Museum. He said: "This is a fantastic
exhibition and a worthy showcase for our motor sport heritage."
2002 is a particularly appropriate year in which to open the
new Gallery as it marks the centenary of Britain's first victory
in international motor racing in the 1902 Gordon Bennett race.
It is also 50 years since Beaulieu first opened its doors to visitors
with 5 cars in the front hall of Palace House creating the beginnings
of what, after growing into a large private Collection, became
the National Motor Museum in 1972.
 This
massive new Gallery, to be known as Speed: a Century of Motor
Sport, is the brain-child of Andy Lane, recently appointed Director
of the National Motor Museum Trust, and will provide a stunning
new attraction. Andy said, "The vehicles are the jewels and
this gallery is the specially built crown in which they shine.
The new Motor Sport Gallery contains some famous exhibits spanning
historic racing cars, F1, rally cars and racing motorcycles and
will appeal to all ages."
Helping Andy turn his ideas into reality is Gerry Judah, one
of the most innovative and daring designers of the age. Andy appointed
Gerry as designer on this project after seeing his outstanding
work at Goodwood's Festival of Speed and the Holocaust Exhibition
at the Imperial War Museum.
|
 The
gigantic steel structures on which legendary racing cars are
suspended cover a fifth of the Museum floor, echoing the banking
on the old Brooklands race circuit. Visitors will be able to
view the vehicles from completely new angles and perspectives,
walking around and underneath these imposing trackways, the
experience enhanced by evocative graphics and video presentation.
Andy said excitedly: "Gerry has elevated this Motor Sport
Gallery into a futuristic work of art which has to be seen to
be believed!"
 Star
exhibits in the Gallery include Britain's oldest complete racing
car, the 1903 Napier, Michael Schumacher's 1994
World Championship Benetton, Damon Hill's 1996
World Championship Williams (not forgetting his father's
1967 Lotus 49) and the Vanwall which Stirling Moss drove to
victory in 1958. Other marques to which the Gallery pays tribute
include McLaren, Ferrari, Jaguar and BRM.
 The
display is appropriately flanked by the Museum's famous Land
Speed Record Breakers; the first and last of Malcolm
and Donald Campbell's Bluebirds, the 200mph
Sunbeam and the 1929 Golden Arrow. An adjoining Gallery
of Motor Racing Memorabilia features a Motor Cycle Sports Section
covering TT, Scrambling, Motocross and Grand Prix motorcycles.
 Lord
Montagu said: "This avant-guard exhibition heralds a new
era in the Museum's presentation, establishing it firmly in
the 21st century and maintaining Beaulieu's reputation as one
of Britain's leading attractions. I am most grateful to the
Motor Sport industry and other individuals who have loaned exhibits
and to sponsors, Ford Motor Company and Shell International".
|
