The Museum is an independent, non-profit making organisation. 

It was founded and registered as a charitable trust in 1990. The trust was originally known as the Sussex Toy & Model Museum and was based on several important collections. Since 1990 these collections have been refined and enhanced to bring the Museum to a point where it houses one of the finest displays of model trains, tinplate toys and other related exhibits on public view anywhere in the world. For this reason the museum is well patronised by collectors and experts from near and far. 

Research students and school parties are frequent visitors, since toys are included in the National Curriculum. The majority of our visitors are the general public who come to see the collections and marvel at their diversity and quality. "I used to have one like that!" is a frequently heard cry.

The Museum is staffed by our Education Officer and a dedicated group of volunteers; without whose enthusiasm and hard work, the Museum could not survive.

Toy and model restoration is undertaken by the Museum's founder, Chris Littledale, one of the world's foremost experts on the subject.

There is a thriving shop which sells both new souvenirs and collectable period toys and books.

One of the principal objectives of the charitable trust is to ensure that the collections remain together and live on in perpetuity for the benefit of future generations.

TRUSTEES

Museum Trust

Chairman: Alan Pett

Director: Chris Littledale

Trustees: M. Gilkes, C. Kendall, H. Marsh, K. Mathews, M. Simek

Secretary: K. Mathews

Collections Trust

Chairman: A. Capo-Bianco

Trustees: M. Foster, E.A. Manthos, V. Michel, B. Potter, C. Littledale

Secretary: C. Littledale

WHY TWO TRUSTS?

The Collections Trust is the custodian of the collections. The Museum Trust provides the facilities and public access to the exhibits.

The Museum Trust is neither owner nor beneficial owner of any of the collections housed at the Museum.