A Reece Ltd electrical and record shop opens as Beamish Museum launches 1950s cinema and shops
1st August 2024
We are delighted to see ‘A Reece Ltd Radio and Electrical Services’ electrical and record shop open at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North now that the new 1950s town has launched.
The new 1950s Town exhibits include a recreation of the Grand cinema, from Ryhope, in Sunderland; a toy shop named after Romer Parrish in Middlesbrough; A Reece Ltd Radio and Electrical Services electrical and record shop; and a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) learning space and a milk bar.
A Reece Ltd Radio and Electrical Services electrical and record shop is named after North East engineer Alan Reece, founder of the Reece Foundation. In the showroom, visitors can browse the latest 1950s appliances, while in the record shop they can discover popular hits from the day and hear tunes in the listening booths. In the Reece Workshop STEM learning space, the museum’s Learning Team will use the dedicated facilities to lead activities for schools, inspiring the engineers of the future.
Simon Gilroy, Trustee of The Reece Foundation, said:
“The trustees of the Reece Foundation are immensely proud to see A Reece Ltd Radio and Electrical Services opening as part of the Remaking Beamish project. This initiative is a fitting tribute to Alan Reece, not merely as a name above a shop, but as a dynamic STEM learning space, inspiring future engineers.
“We are confident that young learners and visitors will delight in exploring the 1950s appliances and records, and in participating in activities led by the museum’s Learning Team. The emphasis on enhancing STEM education through this engaging and sustainable development exemplifies our aim to support the long-term prosperity of the North East by promoting engineering, manufacturing, and environmental initiatives.”
In the replicated Grand cinema, from Ryhope in Sunderland, visitors can experience a 1950s trip to the cinema and watch Pathé News, adverts and films. And in the toy shop named after the Romer Parrish shop in Middlesbrough, people will be able to see toys from Beamish’s collection and a dolls’ hospital, as well as purchase 1950s-style toys and games.
The exhibits in The 1950s Town are the culmination of the Remaking Beamish project, which is the biggest capital development in the County Durham museum’s history. It has been supported by an £11.8million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund,
Rhiannon Hiles, Beamish’s Chief Executive, said: “Our Remaking Beamish project is the biggest capital development in Beamish’s history and has brought many new experiences and co-curated stories to the museum. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in the Remaking Beamish project – our staff and volunteers, communities, funders, partners and supporters, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Reece Foundation and Friends of Beamish. As a charity, this couldn’t have been achieved without this amazing support.”
Ivor Crowther, Head of Investment for England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is fantastic to see these elements of the Remaking Beamish project completed as The 1950s Town opens to the public. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the Grand cinema, shops, milk bar and new learning space will give visitors the chance to explore the rich and unique heritage of the North East and experience what life would have looked like in the 1950s..”
The Remaking Beamish project has been designed with sustainability in mind, with many of the buildings heated by air source heat pumps, more than 1,500 trees and 1,000 metres of hedgerow have been planted, reclaimed stone and paving have been incorporated, water refill stations and reusable cups have been created and electric vehicle charging points have been installed at the self-catering cottages.
Find out more about visiting Beamish Museum at www.beamish.org,uk
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