BRUSH Group Launches Community Appeal for 150th Anniversary Celebration
One of Loughborough's most significant industrial employers, BRUSH Group, is embarking on a remarkable journey to commemorate its 150th anniversary and is calling upon the local community to help bring its rich history to life. The energy engineering company, which has been a cornerstone of the town's industrial landscape since 1889, is preparing a special public exhibition to mark this extraordinary milestone.
Celebrating a Legacy of Electrical Innovation
The anniversary celebrates 150 years since the invention of the electric dynamo by Charles Francis Brush in 1876, a groundbreaking development that fundamentally shaped modern electricity generation. This American industrialist's creation laid the foundation for what would become one of Loughborough's oldest and largest employers, with generations of local families having worked at the historic Falcon Works site.
Community Treasure Hunt for Historical Artefacts
Organisers are now appealing to families across Loughborough and the wider Midlands region to search their homes for any memorabilia connected to BRUSH's long history. The company is particularly interested in uncovering items that might be hidden in lofts, garages, and sheds, including:
- Old tools and manufacturing components
- Historical models and technical drawings
- Vintage signage and company record books
- Photographs from any era of the company's operation
- Employee name badges and traditional workwear
- Advertising materials and promotional items
The older the items, the better, according to exhibition organisers, who have already collected hundreds of photographs and numerous fascinating pieces that tell the story of this industrial giant.
A Living History of Loughborough Industry
Given that BRUSH has employed thousands of people over multiple generations at its Falcon Works base, there is strong likelihood that many historical items remain in local hands. The anniversary exhibition, scheduled to run from May to September 2026, will showcase these community contributions alongside the company's own archive materials.
CEO Nicolas Pitrat expressed the company's pride in its deep roots within the Loughborough community, stating: "We're looking forward to seeing what memories and artefacts people may still have from their time at BRUSH. Our history is intertwined with the story of Loughborough itself, and we hope former employees and their families will help us tell the complete BRUSH story."
How to Contribute to the Historical Collection
Anyone possessing items or memorabilia related to BRUSH Group's history is encouraged to come forward. The company has established dedicated channels for community contributions, inviting people to share details and photographs of their historical finds. This community-driven approach aims to create the most comprehensive exhibition possible, celebrating not just corporate history, but the personal stories of those who helped build the company's legacy.
The anniversary celebration represents a unique opportunity to preserve and showcase Loughborough's industrial heritage, connecting past innovations with the company's continuing role in energy engineering. As BRUSH Group looks toward its next 150 years, this historical exhibition will serve as a testament to the skill, dedication, and innovation that has characterised the company since its earliest days at Falcon Works.
