British Lawnmower Museum

Unique collection of lawnmowers includes vintage blueprints and robot mowers

Category Unique Collections

Unique Collections http://atlasobscura.com/category/museums-and-collections/unique-collections

Edwin Beard Budding was designing a machine that could trim the nap from guardsmen's uniforms when he discovered that, instead of trimming cotton, his invention could trim grass. Previously the job of sheep, it was then in 1830 that the lawnmower was invented, an idea so bold that Budding was forced to test his machine out in the darkness of night.

Lawnmower designs have changed significantly since then, and the British Lawnmower Museum has chronicled its history over the past few centuries. From simple scythes to horse-powered machines, the museum's collection includes the world's largest assortment of toy lawnmowers and even includes preliminary blueprints from 1799 -- forty years before Budding's invention!

As a leading authority on vintage lawnmowers and antique garden machinery, the British Lawnmower Museum's collection consists of over 600 rare machines, including the world's fastest, smallest, and first solar-powered "robot" mowers. Additionally, visitors can learn about the term, "Shank's Pony," see celebrity-owned machinery -- such as Princess Diana's former mower -- as well as view some vintage FlyMo hoovercrafts.

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  • Hours Mon-Sat: 9-5:30. Sun + Bank Holidays: Closed.
  • Website British Lawnmower Museum
  • Address 106-114 Shakespeare Street , Southport,
  • Cost Adults £2.00 Children £1.00
Map/Directions

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Near Southport and Birkdale Train stations, as well as bus numbers 42 and 43.

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Comments

  • & Anonymous May 4, 2010
    I have a Queen push-type lawnmower that has been in my family for 60 or so years. I simply can not find out any information on it. Could you please be of any assistance? Thanks, so much. Dax
  • & Anonymous April 20, 2010
    This was written with rare insight and is a “must read” for anyone looking for information on the topic. The subject knowledge and attention to detail painted a clear picture which would be understandable for someone new to the field but will also carry value to those more familiar with it. Great material!