The Haynes International Motor Museum today (Thursday 9th June 2016) hosted a lunch for nearly 200 guests to celebrate the retirement, after thirty one years’ service, of Founding Curator Mr Micheal Penn.

Mr Penn was the very first member of staff when the Museum opened in 1985. In the early days his work hats were many and in any one day his duties would include: general manager, curator, caterer, bookshop assistant and receptionist. As the Museum grew he was able to focus on his passion for curatorial work and building the collection; numerous visits across the globe to source an eclectic mix of vehicles from the rare and precious to the more easily recognised has ensured that the Museum now has a vehicle collection second to none.

Mr Penn spoke of his love of education and the part that museums play in this area. Museum CEO Mr Christopher Haynes commented: “The Chairman, Trustees and staff would like to thank Mike for all his efforts over the past thirty one years. His legacy is clear to see: Today the Museum boasts well over 100,000 visitors annually, as well as hosting a large and ever increasing number of conferences and all types of events. The Education Centre is always buzzing with children who visit from many local schools and the Workshop and Restoration Centre have built up an enviable reputation for their excellent work on a broad range of marques including Aston Martin, Ferrari and Jaguar to name but a few.”

Mr Penn’s plans do not include slowing down however: “A great thank you to all those wishing me well on my retirement. The staff also did a sterling job and spoke very kindly about my 31 years in the job.
Just to clear up one point: I will not be hanging up my Museum boots yet as I will remain on the Museum board of trustees as well as the board of trustees of the British Motorcycling Heritage Trust. I also continue in my role as the Chairman of the World Forum for Motor Museums.”