Peter Black Keighley
Discussion
Did anyone else visit his car collection?
Been speaking to my dad today and as a youngster went to visit it. As my granddad and Peter Black were friends.
Fantastic story of the guy and awesome car collection.
Did anyone else visit?
Did his sons keep the collection running and is it still available or have they got rid of it now?
Been speaking to my dad today and as a youngster went to visit it. As my granddad and Peter Black were friends.
Fantastic story of the guy and awesome car collection.
Did anyone else visit?
Did his sons keep the collection running and is it still available or have they got rid of it now?
They once had that one-off Ferrari Pace Car (Mondial-based, I think) as a guest. I didn't actually see it at the museum but I did see it going through Shipley on the back of a lorry when it was being transported away. That has to be one of the most surreal sights ever - a famous one-off Ferrari viewed by me from the window of a bus travelling through Shipley!
Edited by MitchT on Thursday 24th January 13:04
I think the original collection at keighley was amazing,two hundred cars with the display changed as there was not enough room to show them all,when the building was re-developed some of the collection went to Hornsea to the Freeport shopping village and i think some went to Cross hills where it was kept privately,most of it was auctioned off Bonhams sold twenty five,H&H nine including an ex elvis pink caddy,some i think ended up at Skopos but the jewels had been sold by then.Tempus 
I know of the Peter Black car collection being from Keighley originally. Peter Black was infamous as a large proportion of the townsfolk were employed at his factory. Every year the Keighley Gala included a large procession of his cars.
The original collection was started by Peter and continued by his sons Gordon, and the other who's name ecapes me. The original collection was housed down Lawkholme Lane where his original factory was, and special invitation or those in the know open days allowed the public in as I remember as a small child. It was full of not just cars such as a convertible Cadillac owned by Mick Jagger ho's date reputadely put her stilleto through the fabric roof, varous Jags, AC428, Cosworth RS500, Mini Cooper,etc etc but had staged working period garages, memorabilia, bicycles, models, you name it. It was around 200 cars but not all housed there. I understood they bought Hornsea Pottery at one time and housed quite a few over here.
The Lawkholme Lane warehouse lost the collection some time ago, last I knew it was a failed Snooker hall but Peter Black's business still thrives albeit in a different guise close by, off Bradford Street. His son's are car enthusiasts and I doubt that the collection is "disbanded". Sold a few maybe, but must still exist. However, it was always a private collection, and never highly publicised when the doors were opened.
The Skopos Museum (although I'm not sure it's still called that)collection I also know of, owned by Steve Batty a successful businessman from Batey where the collection resides and is open to the public. I know the Curator, a Canadian called Mike Teuro as we studied the same part time degree at Leeds. It's a smart museum with a large bar called Brooklands overlooking the museum via a large glass partition, and well worth a look as the cars in progress are also on view.
Hope this info is of some use.
The original collection was started by Peter and continued by his sons Gordon, and the other who's name ecapes me. The original collection was housed down Lawkholme Lane where his original factory was, and special invitation or those in the know open days allowed the public in as I remember as a small child. It was full of not just cars such as a convertible Cadillac owned by Mick Jagger ho's date reputadely put her stilleto through the fabric roof, varous Jags, AC428, Cosworth RS500, Mini Cooper,etc etc but had staged working period garages, memorabilia, bicycles, models, you name it. It was around 200 cars but not all housed there. I understood they bought Hornsea Pottery at one time and housed quite a few over here.
The Lawkholme Lane warehouse lost the collection some time ago, last I knew it was a failed Snooker hall but Peter Black's business still thrives albeit in a different guise close by, off Bradford Street. His son's are car enthusiasts and I doubt that the collection is "disbanded". Sold a few maybe, but must still exist. However, it was always a private collection, and never highly publicised when the doors were opened.
The Skopos Museum (although I'm not sure it's still called that)collection I also know of, owned by Steve Batty a successful businessman from Batey where the collection resides and is open to the public. I know the Curator, a Canadian called Mike Teuro as we studied the same part time degree at Leeds. It's a smart museum with a large bar called Brooklands overlooking the museum via a large glass partition, and well worth a look as the cars in progress are also on view.
Hope this info is of some use.
24Razor said:
I know of the Peter Black car collection being from Keighley originally. Peter Black was infamous as a large proportion of the townsfolk were employed at his factory. Every year the Keighley Gala included a large procession of his cars.
The original collection was started by Peter and continued by his sons Gordon, and the other who's name ecapes me. The original collection was housed down Lawkholme Lane where his original factory was, and special invitation or those in the know open days allowed the public in as I remember as a small child. It was full of not just cars such as a convertible Cadillac owned by Mick Jagger ho's date reputadely put her stilleto through the fabric roof, varous Jags, AC428, Cosworth RS500, Mini Cooper,etc etc but had staged working period garages, memorabilia, bicycles, models, you name it. It was around 200 cars but not all housed there. I understood they bought Hornsea Pottery at one time and housed quite a few over here.
The Lawkholme Lane warehouse lost the collection some time ago, last I knew it was a failed Snooker hall but Peter Black's business still thrives albeit in a different guise close by, off Bradford Street. His son's are car enthusiasts and I doubt that the collection is "disbanded". Sold a few maybe, but must still exist. However, it was always a private collection, and never highly publicised when the doors were opened.
The Skopos Museum (although I'm not sure it's still called that)collection I also know of, owned by Steve Batty a successful businessman from Batey where the collection resides and is open to the public. I know the Curator, a Canadian called Mike Teuro as we studied the same part time degree at Leeds. It's a smart museum with a large bar called Brooklands overlooking the museum via a large glass partition, and well worth a look as the cars in progress are also on view.
Hope this info is of some use.
Thanks for that.The original collection was started by Peter and continued by his sons Gordon, and the other who's name ecapes me. The original collection was housed down Lawkholme Lane where his original factory was, and special invitation or those in the know open days allowed the public in as I remember as a small child. It was full of not just cars such as a convertible Cadillac owned by Mick Jagger ho's date reputadely put her stilleto through the fabric roof, varous Jags, AC428, Cosworth RS500, Mini Cooper,etc etc but had staged working period garages, memorabilia, bicycles, models, you name it. It was around 200 cars but not all housed there. I understood they bought Hornsea Pottery at one time and housed quite a few over here.
The Lawkholme Lane warehouse lost the collection some time ago, last I knew it was a failed Snooker hall but Peter Black's business still thrives albeit in a different guise close by, off Bradford Street. His son's are car enthusiasts and I doubt that the collection is "disbanded". Sold a few maybe, but must still exist. However, it was always a private collection, and never highly publicised when the doors were opened.
The Skopos Museum (although I'm not sure it's still called that)collection I also know of, owned by Steve Batty a successful businessman from Batey where the collection resides and is open to the public. I know the Curator, a Canadian called Mike Teuro as we studied the same part time degree at Leeds. It's a smart museum with a large bar called Brooklands overlooking the museum via a large glass partition, and well worth a look as the cars in progress are also on view.
Hope this info is of some use.
Maybe better late than never.
I came across this collection following spinal surgery when the surgeon said I’d only be able to drive something with sit up and beg seating: said my choice was a Transit van or a Range Rover.
After a few months of seeing misdescribed cars I saw an ad in car classifieds in the YEP one Friday. I called and was given an address in Keighley. My dad drove me over and we ended up outside a non descript old factory.
A chap came out, introduced himself and took us inside. I could not believe what I was looking at. In today’s terms pretty much everything I’d want if I got 6 numbers.
It was simply a stunning collection and I forgot all about the Rangey I came to see when I spotted the Ghibli Spyder from the 60s.
We had what was in effect a private tour lasting over 1 1/2 hours and then went to see the Range Rover: a beautiful K plate classic, low mileage and save for the usual upper tailgate issue, in superb condition.
We were told all about the Black family and the collection. The Rangey was only used for shooting trips up to Scotland, Brooklands kit but all in black.
It was a real privilege to see the collection, to be allowed to sit in some of the most beautiful cars made. I loved the Range Rover, my wife hated it and I regret the day I sold it.
My overriding memory? That jaw dropping red Ghibli!
I came across this collection following spinal surgery when the surgeon said I’d only be able to drive something with sit up and beg seating: said my choice was a Transit van or a Range Rover.
After a few months of seeing misdescribed cars I saw an ad in car classifieds in the YEP one Friday. I called and was given an address in Keighley. My dad drove me over and we ended up outside a non descript old factory.
A chap came out, introduced himself and took us inside. I could not believe what I was looking at. In today’s terms pretty much everything I’d want if I got 6 numbers.
It was simply a stunning collection and I forgot all about the Rangey I came to see when I spotted the Ghibli Spyder from the 60s.
We had what was in effect a private tour lasting over 1 1/2 hours and then went to see the Range Rover: a beautiful K plate classic, low mileage and save for the usual upper tailgate issue, in superb condition.
We were told all about the Black family and the collection. The Rangey was only used for shooting trips up to Scotland, Brooklands kit but all in black.
It was a real privilege to see the collection, to be allowed to sit in some of the most beautiful cars made. I loved the Range Rover, my wife hated it and I regret the day I sold it.
My overriding memory? That jaw dropping red Ghibli!
I went round several times, both on school trips and later as a friend of mine knew the bloke in charge. It’s a good job the collection has moved or dispersed as the site of the museum is now in an appalling part of an appalling town. The collection apparently started when Peter Black suffered a heart attack and his doctor suggested doing up an old car as a way of relaxing.
My grandad was one of the mechanics who worked in the Peter Black collection. Sadly my grandad died a few years ago. Geoff/Jeff Tully still has something to do with the collection I believe.
I have fond memories of most weekend going to various shows in all sorts of classics/American cars. All my aunties wedding cars were through Peter Black and my dad owns a mk3 Ford Zodiac that used to be part of the collection.
I remember loving everytime my dad went to see grandad at the site round the back of Lawkholme Lane in Keighley. A non descript collection of industrial units full of the most amazing cars, and I got to wander around by myself and have them all to myself. Been there is what has made me the petrol head I am today.
I will try and dig out some photos, my dad and grandad took 1000s from what I remember.
My personal favourites were when Peter got into American stuff. The Corvette Stingray and the Deloreon are memories are as bright as if they happened yesterday. The roof chopped mini you could only drive by having your head out the sunroof. The solid wheeled charabang bus that carted my family around for all the weddings.
Imagine seeing the Beverly Sisters Caddillac called the aircraft carrier, or the bright pink Imperial when my dad drove a gold Austin Maxi!
Great days!
I have fond memories of most weekend going to various shows in all sorts of classics/American cars. All my aunties wedding cars were through Peter Black and my dad owns a mk3 Ford Zodiac that used to be part of the collection.
I remember loving everytime my dad went to see grandad at the site round the back of Lawkholme Lane in Keighley. A non descript collection of industrial units full of the most amazing cars, and I got to wander around by myself and have them all to myself. Been there is what has made me the petrol head I am today.
I will try and dig out some photos, my dad and grandad took 1000s from what I remember.
My personal favourites were when Peter got into American stuff. The Corvette Stingray and the Deloreon are memories are as bright as if they happened yesterday. The roof chopped mini you could only drive by having your head out the sunroof. The solid wheeled charabang bus that carted my family around for all the weddings.
Imagine seeing the Beverly Sisters Caddillac called the aircraft carrier, or the bright pink Imperial when my dad drove a gold Austin Maxi!
Great days!
Oh forgot when some of the cars went to Hornsea freeport. I remember going there with quite a few of the cars.
Also some cars were lent to Alton Towers for a temporary display. Grandad towed a RR Silver Ghost with a 1987 2L Ford Sierra, with 5 of us in the Sierra. Took us a while!
Was the Range Rover for sale a Mk1 dark metallic blue Vogue?
Also some cars were lent to Alton Towers for a temporary display. Grandad towed a RR Silver Ghost with a 1987 2L Ford Sierra, with 5 of us in the Sierra. Took us a while!
Was the Range Rover for sale a Mk1 dark metallic blue Vogue?
This may be of interest:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYnh7Lj95Fc
The cars that are left are now housed in Crosshills, Nr Keighley. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYnh7Lj95Fc
The cars that are left are now housed in Crosshills, Nr Keighley. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public.
I remember going on a school trip to Howarth, staying overnight that the Youth Hostel there. I think I would have been about 10 / 11 years old, so 1976 / 1977 ish.
On the way back to Leeds, the coach stopped up a side street in Keighley and the headmaster stood up and said he had arranged a treat for us.
We we led off the coach into a large, low roofed garage filled with rows of vintage cars. I remember a workshop at one end and a friendly, down to earth mechanic pointing out some of the cars to us. I seem to remember one looked like it was a formula 1 type, probably from the 1950's or 1960's.
I later realised that this visit was before it became a museum.
I was too young to appreciate what was there, but one memory I do have is when a gentleman in a suit arrived and engaged in a friendly conversation with the mechanic. He later came over to us and spoke about some of the cars.
Pointing to a vacant space, he said that normally there would be a 1920's Rolls Royce there, but it was out of the country, being driven on a rally by one of the directors of Marks and Spencer.
I think the gentleman was probably Peter Black, or possibly one of his sons. Peter Blacks were a major employer in Keighley at the time, with Marks and Spencer being their main customer, making all manner of goods for them.
Fantastic memory of a time when a group of young working class kids were treated to be invited to see this private collection of cars and of the kind people who took the time to let it happen.
On the way back to Leeds, the coach stopped up a side street in Keighley and the headmaster stood up and said he had arranged a treat for us.
We we led off the coach into a large, low roofed garage filled with rows of vintage cars. I remember a workshop at one end and a friendly, down to earth mechanic pointing out some of the cars to us. I seem to remember one looked like it was a formula 1 type, probably from the 1950's or 1960's.
I later realised that this visit was before it became a museum.
I was too young to appreciate what was there, but one memory I do have is when a gentleman in a suit arrived and engaged in a friendly conversation with the mechanic. He later came over to us and spoke about some of the cars.
Pointing to a vacant space, he said that normally there would be a 1920's Rolls Royce there, but it was out of the country, being driven on a rally by one of the directors of Marks and Spencer.
I think the gentleman was probably Peter Black, or possibly one of his sons. Peter Blacks were a major employer in Keighley at the time, with Marks and Spencer being their main customer, making all manner of goods for them.
Fantastic memory of a time when a group of young working class kids were treated to be invited to see this private collection of cars and of the kind people who took the time to let it happen.
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