A Cumbrian housebuilder has helped a some iconic museum replica railway carriages find a new home.
Story Homes has helped Belle Vue Primary School, in Carlisle, create a new library space using a well-loved replica railway carriage that formerly belonged to Tullie museum and gallery.
The firm has worked in partnership with Tullie to rehome the carriages – which have held a special place in the memories of many local residents who have visited the museum since 1990.
Thanks to Story Homes’ joinery team, the carriages have been transformed into unique reading spaces for pupils and their friends.
To celebrate the completion of the project, a special event was held at the school with pupils from each year group.
Children had the opportunity to read aloud to an audience including Hayley Blair, Story Homes’ operations director, and Richard Cannon, head of production.
They were also joined by Story Homes’ mascot, builder bear and pupils were given goodie bags to mark the occassion.
Representatives from Tullie were also present to officially wave off the much-loved piece of set dressing for the next step of its journey.
After spending more than 30 years at Tullie, the carriages have moved on to make way for a display of 100,000 new historical objects that have from the museum’s overall one million-strong collection.
The transformation is part of Project Tullie, the museum’s ambitious development programme, which has been made possible by support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Hayley Blair, Operations Director at Story Homes, said: “As a Carlisle-headquartered business we are incredibly proud to have supported Belle Vue Primary School in bringing this fantastic project to life.
“The train carriages are a cherished part of Carlisle’s history, and it’s wonderful to see them repurposed in such a meaningful way.
“Creating a space where children feel excited to read and learn is something we’re passionate about, and we hope this will inspire generations of pupils to come.”
Andrew Cairns, headteacher at Belle Vue Primary School, added: “The carriages are an important part of our city’s history and giving them a new home in our library is incredibly special – especially during the national year of reading.
“They will provide a unique and inspiring space for children to enjoy for years to come.
“Through Tullie’s ‘Adopt a School’ initiative, we’ve been proud to be the first participating school, with pupils already working on exciting projects alongside their team.
“This installation would not have been possible without the support, expertise and commitment of Story Homes, who helped bring this vision to life. We are extremely grateful to both Tullie and Story Homes for their valued support.”
Anna Smalley, Head of Collections and Engagement at Tullie, said: “We know that the replica railway carriages are very dear to many people, so we are incredibly pleased that they’ll be getting a new lease of life.
“The fact that this new life will be at Belle Vue – one of our most valued partners – and as a space dedicated to reading is the best we could have hoped for.”
