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This nostalgic Mining Review item explores the interests of amateur historian John Barton, a lamproom attendant at Eccles Mine in Northumberland. Fascinated by the machinery that contributed to the history of north-east England, he rescues examples when he can. He also donates some of his findings to places like the Bowes Museum, which amongst its large collection of paintings and decorative art also has a number of industrial antiquities, including mining artefacts such as a wooden shovel and even a complete winding engine from 1800. Museum director Frank Atkinson has an admirably inclusive curation policy: he believes that anything at all is worth preserving, provided it's typical of its era. Founded between 1862 and 1875 by John and Joséphine Bowes, the museum remains in operation to this day. Michael Brooke
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Complete film (10:20)
