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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

Picton Castle: "The Lumsden Collection."

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During the summer we made a Pilgrimage to Pembrokeshire; not merely for its high concentration of medieval castles, ancient churches or the unspoilt coastline: but to see "The Lumsden Collection."

The Collection is housed in a small corner of the former estate buildings; Nevertheless, in this one room are some rare and historic Lawn mowers worthy of close inspection.

 

The largest Motor Mower in the Collection: a 1922 Greens Motor Mower, with Dorman of Stafford Engine,

The design of this Four cylinder water cooled machine,  in my opinion is a design precursor to the latterly built R.K. Allett of Stamford Mowers, with their transverse mounted unitary automotive type engine and gearbox configuration.

A "Shanks" Pony Mower; The Museum states it to date to  c.1875.

A Greens Mower of slightly later date, I forgot to record the data.

Perhaps OLC members might know the exact details of these machines.

 

Clive1997 Wed, 07/10/2015

Hello Paul

I'm envious of your trip, I must get down there some time but it's a 600 mile round trip for me. I live very near to where David Lumsdens collection was originally held & catch up with his widow Joanna now & again. Its certainly an interesting collection of mowers & good that its now on public display.

There is an article in Grassbox No 87 written when the museum was opened.

 

Regards

Clive

Mowing Wurzel Thu, 08/10/2015

Another photograph of the "normal" size Lawn Mowers at Picton Castle.

As the room is small, it is rather difficult to get a good shot. I have adjusted the brightness on this one to compensate for  the window glare.

The room is fitted out with ceramic tiles, so it is highly likely that it was originally as a store for hanging meats., as the abattoir is the room adjacent.

Vic Tue, 26/04/2022

Hi,

This looks of interest as it is literally less than half an hour away. Can the collections be explored within the price of admission or does it require an additional cost?

Kind regards

Vic Guest

RansomesRob Tue, 26/04/2022

Great photos Paul. I was interested to see mention of a Dormans of Stafford engine powering the Green's mower. I used to work for GEC in Stafford and the Dormans factory was only 5 minutes away from where I worked. Hopefully meet up at MK next month. Cheers. Rob

Mowing Wurzel Tue, 26/04/2022

When I went to Picton Castle in 2015; The entry to the Museum was included in the admission to the Gardens;  Naturally I would advise to check on the website for current access; particularly as we are still off holiday season.

 

The Dorman Engine on the Mower