Geebung museum pays homage to prestige UK cars
The heritage of prestige UK car manufacturers is being preserved at a small museum in Brisbane’s north.
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THE heritage of prestige UK car manufacturers is being preserved at a small museum at Geebung.
The S.H.R.F Sub-Archive Queensland operates under the auspices of the Sir Henry Royce Foundation and houses a collection which pays homage to most British motor vehicle marques including Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Hillman.
The museum is curated by Barry Sparks who has had a “passion” for Rolls-Royce since he was 18 and started his first job at C & B Motors (which no longer exists) in Brisbane.
“I moved to UK Motors — a Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Leyland dealership — in 1963 as a mechanic,” he said.
“My passion for the marques has never left me and I have always been, and continue to be, interested in all things motor vehicle and aeronautic.
“While at UK Motors in 1969, I assisted with the formation of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia (Queensland Branch) and I became a foundation member of this club.
“I have personally owned 11 hobby cars — the longest for 34 years.
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“I have always believed in preserving everything in relation to the cars and to share my knowledge whenever and wherever possible.
“Hence, my interest — passion if you want to call it — has led to the establishment of this Sub-Archive.
“From a collection I already had, further generous donations from supporters over the last 18 months and the hard work of a small band of dedicated volunteers you can see what has been created.”
The museum includes motor vehicle and aero parts, and a library containing books on motor vehicles of many marques and workshop manuals.
There are displays of motors, parts, a Rolls-Royce Eagle aircraft engine, a Hillman motor, a model car collection and memorabilia.
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“Recently a ‘barn find’ Bentley R-Type was donated, which is our next project,” Mr Sparks said.
“In 2018 we were fortunate to receive a donation of a piece of the Thomas Edison Street Tube from Energex, courtesy of the Queens Wharf Project. The cable was laid in 1883 in George St, and provided the first electricity source in Brisbane.”
Mr Sparks said the museum was not only for car fanatics but for anyone interested in motor vehicles and history.
“The Sub-Archive opened in June last year and we hope in coming months to offer a schools program aimed at high school students, mechanical apprentices and engineering students.
“We currently have three high school boys as volunteers. Seminars and workshop days are being planned to start in coming months.
“Our aim is to appeal to everyone. Feedback to date has been positive but we would love to see more visitors.”
The S.H.R.F. Sub-Archive Qld is located at 473-475 Newman Rd, Geebung and is open on Saturday from noon-5pm, or by arrangement.
Details: 3351 6176 or bandasparks@westnet.com.au
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