End of an era as Lakeland Motor Museum chairman retires

They say all good things come to an end, and Lakeland Motor Museum is saying a heartfelt goodbye to one of its most influential figures. Les Micklethwaite MBE is retiring after nearly 20 years leading the much-loved attraction.

A well-known and active businessman in the region since the early 1990s, Les became Chairman of Lakeland Motor Museum in 2006. His involvement began a year earlier, following a visit to the museum at its former home at Holker Hall. Instantly seeing its potential, he was inspired to create a larger, purpose-built museum at its current home in Backbarrow.

The site itself has a rich industrial history. Once home to Reckitt’s Colours Ltd, the Backbarrow complex dates back centuries, with earlier uses including corn milling, cotton spinning, and iron and gunpowder works powered by the River Leven. The famous blue pigment produced there became a household staple, used in laundry to keep whites bright, and was sold across the world—putting Backbarrow firmly on the international map.

With the museum’s growing collection in mind, Les saw the site as the perfect place to bring together more space for vehicles and a chance to preserve an important part of the region’s industrial heritage. While he often described himself as “not a petrolhead,” he was deeply motivated by the museum’s social history and its strong connection with the local community.

Speaking about the museum’s heritage Les said: “It’s incredible to think what this building once did taking simple ingredients such as sulphur and china clay and turning it into a vibrant blue pigment, which is still visible in the walls of the older parts of the building. We’ve been very careful at the museum to preserve these memories in special exhibits that also delve deeper into other industries in the Leven Valley including woodcrafts, iron works and gunpower manufacture.”

Les led the acquisition of both the site and the collection from founder Donald Sidebottom and oversaw the museum’s transformation into one of the Lake District’s most popular visitor attractions. Today, Lakeland Motor Museum has welcomed more than one million visitors from the UK and around the world.

Under his leadership, the museum became much more than a place to visit. It grew into a lively community hub, hosting regular car meets and events where enthusiasts could gather, share stories, and showcase their own vehicles.

Les being handed the keys to the museum by Don Sidebottom the founder

Among Les’s proudest achievements are the tribute to Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness, who comes from nearby Morecambe, and the expansion of the museum’s World War One displays. A spin-off from this collection gave the Royal British Legion the opportunity to raise funds for its Poppy Appeal, generating more than £16,000 to date.

This commitment to community and charity was recognised with the award of an MBE for voluntary and charitable services in North Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Bill Bewley, Group Chairman, said: “Les’s passion has been the heartbeat of this museum since the very beginning. His early connections helped shape what the museum has become, and his vision has ensured it continues to grow, evolve, and inspire. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude and wish him every happiness in a very well-earned retirement.”

Andrew Simon, Les Micklethwaite MBE, Bill Bewley & Nigel Wilkinson MBE

Les leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to delight visitors for years to come. The museum also features tributes to Donald Campbell and Bluebird, among its many standout exhibits.

Lakeland Motor Museum is open year-round. Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children.

For more information, visit lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk