New museum could house historic boat collection

PLANS have been submitted for a new museum beside the River Thames near Henley to house the Rose Toop Collection of historic vessels.

It will be built on the site of Hobbs Boatyard which collection owner Adam Toop acquired in October last year and is on the opposite bank to the River and Rowing Museum.

The collection comprises nearly 40 boats from 18901940 and was built up by William ‘Bill’ Rose who died in February.

It includes examples of unpowered, open launch, tender and steam boats as well as artefacts relating to the period.

Proposals in the application to Wokingham Borough Council include a public viewing area, library and archive, workshop for the restoration and maintenance of the vessels and the creation of an additional river cutting for additional or replacement moorings.

Major investment is also planned for the boatyard which will be operated on a not-for-profit basis.