NRM in row over Locomotion plans
York defends decision to relocate Stockton & Darlington pioneer to Shildon, described as “cultural vandalism” by Darlington MP.
THE STORY IS ABOUT MUCH MORE THAN A SINGLE LOCOMOTIVE, OR A SINGLE LOCATION ANDREW McLEAN
Aplan by the National Railway Museum to move George Stephenson’s original 1825 Locomotion from its long-time home of Darlington to Shildon, as part of a £4.5 million project to redevelop its Locomotion site, has attracted furious criticism.
On loan to the Head of Steam Museum in Darlington from the Science Museum Group – the NRM’s governing body – the locomotive, which was the first to haul a public passenger train at the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway on September 27 1825, is to be moved to Locomotion after its existing loan period comes to an end in
March 2021. The engine will form the centrepiece of the NRM’s Shildon redevelopment project, which involves the construction of a new 43,000sq ft building to house up to 40 vehicles from the National Collection (see separate story).
However, the decision to remove Locomotion from Darlington, where it has been on display for 163 years, has provoked anger from the town’s leading politicians, who have described the move as “cultural vandalism” and “a kick in the teeth” – particularly in view of the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s £20 million plans to mark the 200th anniversary of the S&DR in 2025. Such is the feeling against the NRM’s plans (see panel) that representatives from the main political parties in Darlington, the leader of the council, and the
Tees Valley Mayor have backed a campaign to retain Locomotion.
Speaking to Steam Railway in response to the criticisms, NRM Head Curator & Assistant Director Andrew McLean defended the decision: “The story of the S&DR is about much more than a single locomotive, or a single location, and the bicentenary is a celebration of railway heritage across the whole region, which we would like to be a national celebration.
“As the starting point of the famous journey, close to the exact spot where railway history was made and the home of Locomotion during most of its working life, we believe Shildon is the best place for the locomotive to mark the bicentenary and beyond.
“Discussions between Darlington Borough Council and the Science Museum Group regarding the future of Locomotion have been taking place for many months, dating back to February 2019. The council was first informed of firm plans to move the locomotive at a meeting on September 11 2019 – almost 18 months before the expiry of the current agreement. During these conversations, we have been keen to help Head of Steam properly tell Darlington’s railway story, which includes the other National Collection objects in their care.
“Therefore, suggestions that there was no consultation with Darlington Borough Council are unfounded. As part of the National Collection, the final decision concerning where the locomotive is based rests with the Science Museum Group.
“We understand the engine’s emotional connection to the people of Darlington, and we will continue to work with Head of Steam and Darlington Borough Council to ensure the museum has a positive and sustainable future, providing support and access to collection items on a loan basis.”
SMG trustee Sir Peter Hendy told Steam Railway: “I am satisfied the NRM has followed all the correct protocols and also that the move is the right thing to do.”