A £15,000 revamp of the Vehicle Conservation Centre exhibition gives visitors a behind-the-scenes insight at how armoured vehicles are stored, conserved and restored.
Initially built in 2013, the Vehicle Conservation Centre (VCC) is home to over 100 armoured fighting vehicles, which are not on public display in the main Museum galleries.
The redevelopment features brand-new displays, highlighting how the Museum’s Workshop Team preserves and restores armoured vehicles. Objects from the Museum’s collection will also be viewable as part of the exhibition, including a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Engine.
The exhibition space is on a balcony above the VCC overlooking the vehicles housed within it. A new interactive has also been installed, allowing visitors to find out more information about vehicles in the VCC.
Assistant Exhibitions Manager, Rob Watts, said: “Our mission at the Museum is to preserve and conserve history for years to come.
“This project has been made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of The Tank Museum, who have helped safeguard our collection for over 40 years. Through the income generated by their membership, we’ve been able to create this educational space for visitors to enjoy.
“With a fully functioning Workshop, employing 14 staff members and 40 volunteers, we carry out projects every year dedicated to preserving and conserving our collection. Our refreshed VCC exhibit is also a wonderful way to showcase the incredible work they do.”
Collectively, The Tank Museum Workshop Team has over 100 years of knowledge from across the globe. With over 350 vehicles in the Museum’s collection, the team carry out regular inspections and servicing, all the way up to fault repairs and full-scale restorations.”
Rob continued: “There are also newly developed displays showcasing our most ambitious restoration project yet, King Tiger V2, the oldest surviving King Tiger in existence, which is currently being restored by our Workshop Team.”
The VCC balcony is open for an hour each afternoon and at The Tank Museum’s special events, subject to staff availability.
