Lincolnshire’s ephemeral past

By William Gregory MRICS, Golding Young and Mawer.

A colleague of mine commented that scholarly collections being sold at auction are becoming increasingly rare.

This observation was prompted by the first of two auction sales for historian and local author John T Turner, whose collection of guides and handbooks from Lincolnshire included companies such as Ruston-Bucyrus, Fosters and Rose Brothers, which recently sold for a total over £5,000.

The historic legacy to Lincolnshire of these companies can be found in local museums and galleries.

Ruston and Hornsby started in 1918, after the merger of Ruston, Proctor and Co – the steam engine producing, excavator designing, aircraft making branch of Joseph Ruston from its opening in 1857 – joining the equally successful Hornsby and Sons, a Grantham company founded by Richard Hornsby in 1815.

William Foster was founded in 1846 and went on to become one of the most famous companies after the foundry produced and developed the tank and other army vehicles.

Whilst the guides and pamphlets were ephemeral in nature, thanks to scholars and collectors like John T Turner they have not been lost for future generations.

Highlights of the first auction are illustrated and full details can be found at www.goldingyoung.com

Main photograph: Ruston in War 1939-45, hardback book in pressed boards, John Turner library label. Sold for £150.

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