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George Cushing (deceased) surplus reserve auction sale

The engines, which consist of Aveling & Porter steam road rollers were collected by George over several decades and were surplus to the many and varied steam engines and other artefacts that now consist of the famous Thursford Collection, one of East Anglia’s top tourist attractions. Thursford is now run by George Cushing’s son, John, who has pioneered the very popular Christmas extravaganzas.

Among this exceptional collection are several showman’s steam engines and early fairground rides including the Aspland Gondolas. It is also home to the Wurlitzer which was in use in cinemas up until 1932 and which is now played regularly.

 

The steam engines have been stored over the years in the hope that they would also one day be restored and added to the museum. However limited space and the rising costs of restoring steam engines have led John Cushing to instruct Cambridge based specialist steam auctioneers Cheffins to dispose of by auction what is known as the surplus reserve collection.

 

All of the engines will require restoration and it provides a wonderful opportunity for enthusiasts and restorers alike to acquire steam engines from one of the UK’s foremost steam museums. Many of the engines will have local provenance and some may have been used by George Cushing in his fleet of engines which he operated for road building projects.

 

The sale will be held at Thursford on Saturday 25 September. Catalogues will be available two weeks prior to the sale from Cheffins (£10 by post) 01223 213777 and further information will be online on www.cheffins.co.uk