Staffordshire County Council is proposing to transfer two historic railway vehicles from the County Museum collection:
- Bass Saddle Tank Locomotive No. 9
- Director’s Coach
Both were built in 1901 for Bass Brewery in Burton upon Trent and have been part of the council’s museum collection since 1978. They have been on long-term display in Burton for many years.
Since the National Brewery Centre closed in 2022, the facilities and resources needed to care for these large and complex heritage objects are no longer available. The council therefore needs a long-term solution to make sure they are properly cared for, conserved and, where possible, accessible to the public.
The council is seeking approval to transfer ownership of the locomotive and coach to another accredited museum in Staffordshire. Accredited museums meet nationally recognised standards for collections care, governance and public access.
The aim is to keep these important objects in Staffordshire and ensure they are preserved for future generations.
If approval is given, accredited museums in Staffordshire will be invited to express an interest in acquiring and caring for the items. A fair and transparent process will then be used to identify the most suitable long-term home for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the locomotive and coach being moved?
The items need specialist care and conservation. Since the closure of the National Brewery Centre, the facilities needed to look after them are no longer available. Transferring them to an accredited museum will help ensure they are properly protected and preserved.
What are the items?
The collection includes:
- Bass Saddle Tank Locomotive No. 9
- Director’s Coach
Both were built in 1901 for Bass Brewery in Burton upon Trent. They formed part of the brewery’s railway system and are an important part of Staffordshire’s industrial heritage.
Is the council selling the items?
No. The proposal is to transfer the items to another accredited museum so they can receive appropriate long-term care and remain available for the public to enjoy.
Will the items stay in Staffordshire?
The council’s intention is for the items to remain in Staffordshire. The proposed transfer process is aimed at accredited museums within the county.
What happens next?
The first stage is for the council to decide whether to approve the transfer in principle.
If approval is given:
- Accredited museums in Staffordshire will be invited to submit expressions of interest.
- Interested museums will be assessed against agreed criteria.
- A final decision will be made on the most suitable museum to receive the items.
How will a receiving museum be selected?
Interested museums will be asked to explain how they would:
- care for the items
- conserve them
- store them safely
- interpret and display them for the public
The council will assess all expressions of interest through a fair and transparent process before making a final decision.
Will the public be able to see them in the future?
That is the intention. The aim is to place the locomotive and coach with an accredited museum that can conserve them, display them where possible, and help tell the story of Burton’s brewing and railway heritage.
Where can I find out more?
Further information about the proposal and the decision-making process will be published by Staffordshire County Council as the project progresses.