Farewell to the canals' 'Mr Museums'

Well-known canal personality Tony Conder, curator of the three national waterway museums, is stepping down from his post. Both he and David McDougall, Keeper of Collections at the National Waterways Museum, are leaving following the Waterways Trust's recent reorganisation.

Both Tony and David intend to continue their involvement with the Trust and the museums through work on future projects. Amongst their achievements over the years has been gaining official national designation for the museums from Re:source, the body that represents the UK's museums and galleries.

Tony has worked within the museums since 1977, starting as Curator with the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne (then known as the Waterways Museum), and working for British Waterways. He moved on to open the National Waterways Museum at Gloucester in 1988 and became the Trust’s Curator when the charity took over the three waterways museums in 1999.

David joined the National Waterways Museum in 1987 as Keeper of Collections after 11 years at the Black Country Museum. His particular role has included work with the volunteers at the museum on major object restoration projects. To commemorate their time within the museums and commitment to the Trust, Tony and David are to receive a special award to recognise their contribution to the development of the museums of the waterways.

Mike Brooksbank, Museums and Archives Director, said: "On behalf of The Waterways Trust I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to Tony and David. They have played an invaluable role within the Trust and their commitment to the museums and collection has been tireless. They will be greatly missed.

"We are aware that we are losing many years’ knowledge and experience with the departure of Tony and David. However, I am delighted that they will continue to be involved with the museums in the future."

Tony Conder, said: "David and I recognise that the success we have had in gaining recognition for the waterways collection is based on the collaboration with colleagues, waterways experts, the museum’s volunteers and the waterway industry. We would like to thank them for their support and guidance over the years. We hope they will continue to support the development of the Waterways Trust and the Inland Waterways Collection."

The Waterways Trust will be recruiting a curator based at Ellesmere Port Boat Museum and a Collection Co-ordinator at The National Waterways Museum, Gloucester.