The small relics display is housed in a purpose built museum that was opened in August 1982 as part of the Great Western Society's 21st anniversary year celebrations. The constantly changing display encompasses many of the items that were once in daily use on the Great Western Railway. Come and try out the platform ticket machine, or simply marvel at the number and diversity of items with the company initials, GWR, stamped, printed, engraved or otherwise marked upon them.
The small relics collection at Didcot is managed by the Great Western Trust. This is an independent body formed some 20 years ago by the Great Western Society with a remit to look after the smaller relics of the Great Western Railway.
The Trust collection comprises thousands of items including locomotive nameplates, posters, cast iron signs, company records, books and printed ephemera, far more than can be displayed at any one time. The basis of the printed material is formed by the King Bird collection, this is probably the most comprehensive collection of Great Western publicity material in one place.
The reputation of the Trust as a long term secure and safe repository for the smaller Great Western items has in recent years seen a number of large bequests placed into the care of the Trust. These items include printed ephemera, books, tin ware, photographs and also a large collection of tickets. The ticket collection is fully catalogued, and as with the publicity material, is one of the most extensive in the country.
The Trust's photographic collection is vast and comprises several thousand images in both black and white and colour. These not only cover the Great Western but other British railway companies. The images date from about 1930 and many are available for research and publication. Details can be obtained from the Hon Photo Archivist c/o Didcot Railway Centre enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.
At the present time access to the printed collection is very limited but the Trust together with the Great Western Society is hoping to construct a new library and resource centre at Didcot in the next phase of development. This will allow access to the collection for genuine researchers.
Enquiries regarding the Trust should be sent to the Trust Secretary c/o Didcot Railway Centre enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.