Article Source: Glasgow Museums
Last Updated: 26 April 2018 18:51
Donated to Glasgow Museums in 1985 by John Broadfoot, whose father James acquired the bike after it was first registered with Burgh of Glasgow Council on 30 June 1931, registration number GG 4184.
One of 87 motorcycles in the city’s collection the 87-year old bike is unique in that it remains entirely original. Many vehicles in Glasgow’s world-class transport collection have undergone a period of delicate restoration, benefiting from new parts and paintwork. In contrast the BSA Sloper, which takes its name from its distinctive forward-tilting ‘sloping’ engine, has been lovingly conserved in preparation for going on public display.
Glasgow Museums conservation specialists, aided by a conservation volunteer, have spent some 700 hours removing rust, returning the striking polished chrome bodywork to its original condition and stabilising vulnerable parts. This careful, time-consuming effort has ensured the classic motorcycle, which proudly displays the signs of wear and tear and a life well lived, can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor David McDonald said: “We are very grateful to John for his generous donation to the city’s collection. Together with the stunning motorcycle we have taken ownership of a number of related items, including the bike’s original log book and archive photos from the 19040s that show the Broadfoot family on board, which have been crucial in understanding the significance of the BSA Sloper.
“In its beautifully conserved condition, which hints at a bike that afforded its owner James and his family a number of wonderful adventures, we are proud that this survivor is making its debut on Riverside’s much-loved Motorbike Wall for all to see.”
John Broadfoot was at Riverside Museum with Glasgow Museums transport curator Neil Johnson-Symington to see the motorcycle he donated being lifted into position on the Motorbike Wall. The conservation and display was made possible thanks to the support of WM Mann Foundation.
John Broadfoot added: “I am so happy to see my father’s bike on show in the Riverside Museum. My dad would be incredibly proud. I have such fond memories of him running the Windsor Store on Great Western Road in Glasgow, it was just like the shop in Open All Hours. When he took a break from the store we would all climb aboard the bike, which was originally fitted with a sidecar, and head to Loch Lomond. That was some 68 years ago, so it’s wonderful to see the bike again today in all its original glory.”
The BSA Sloper is regarded by Hugo Wilson, Classic Bike magazine’s former editor as one of the world’s 300 ‘Hot Bikes’ – “a class leader, an acknowledged champion.” In its well-worn condition, having travelled some 33,502 miles under Jimmy Broadfoot’s careful ownership, specialists describe a motorcycle of this state and age as a ‘survivor’. Visitors can view the bike as it was when it was last ridden on the streets of Glasgow in 1967.
Riverside Museum shows off the breadth of Glasgow’s world-class travel and transport collection through its multidisciplinary story displays. The motorbike joins the city’s collection of 87 motorcycles which span the years 1899 to 1994, representing the evolution of bike design and technology through motorised tricycles, bubble cars, scooters, tourers, commuters and racing bikes. The collection includes legendary marques by BSA, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Matchless, Triumph, and Glasgow’s very own Victoria.Glasgow Museums aim to ensure exhibitions and displays reflect the past, present and future.
Eddi Reader is set to take her highly anticipated 2024 spring tour to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Sunday 28th April!
READ MOREFull cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MOREThe winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award will be announced at GICF's Comedy Gala on Saturday 30th March at the city's King's Theatre!
READ MOREWest End star Steven Webb (Oliver!, Book of Mormon) will join the cast of Dolly Parton musical Here You Come Again when it comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in October!
READ MORENot managed to get your hands on Glastonbury tickets? There's a chance to see some of the artists performing at TRNSMT hot off the heels of their Worthy Farm appearance!
READ MORECineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will be holding its seventh annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 20th April 2024 with tickets on sale for just £3!
READ MOREDobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
READ MOREThis spring, Mamasan in Glasgow is set to redefine the Southeast Asian dining experience with the introduction of an innovative new casual dining menu.
READ MOREA new blockbuster exhibition showcasing Sir William Burrell’s complete collection of prized works by Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas (1834-1917) will open at The Burrell Collection on Friday 24th May.
READ MORECelebrity interior designer and broadcaster Anna Campbell-Jones is set to host a special event in The Mitchell Library in Glasgow on Thursday 14th March to discuss sustainable home renovations.
READ MOREComedy giant Paul Whitehouse is to reprise his West End starring role as the lovable Grandad in the smash hit show Only Fools and Horses The Musical coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow!
READ MOREThe forward-thinking Govan Music Festival opens in Glasgow today as it gears up for four days of progressive performances and inclusive cultural participation at venues across the historic district.
READ MORECoronation Street star Sue Cleaver will swap the Rovers Return for rosary beads as Mother Superior in the UK and Ireland tour of Olivier Award nominated production, Sister Act The Musical!
READ MOREThis year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of John Duncan Fergusson (1874-1961), the longest-lived and most international of the pioneering group of artists known as the Scottish Colourists.
READ MOREA sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.
READ MOREToday, the producers of the 2024/25 UK and Ireland tour of Hairspray are delighted to announce initial casting for the smash hit musical coming to the King's Theatre Glasgow!
READ MOREBringing together two leaders within the dance world, an Accident / a Life is an exciting collaboration between Marc Brew and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.
READ MORENew wine brand, Greasy Fingers, partners with top burger chefs to develop the ultimate burger and wine pairings!
READ MOREProducers of the global sensation & JULIET are delighted to announce Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet, Sandra Marvin as Angélique and Lara Denning as Anne in the upcoming UK tour!
READ MOREGlasgow Film Festival Industry Focus has unveiled its 10-Year Vision for Glasgow Film Festival's Industry programme, with ambitious plans to become the UK's main destination for independent filmmakers
READ MOREGreat Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.
READ MOREA popular spot in Glasgow, Mikaku, has officially launched its new food offering in its existing site at 45 Queen Street.
READ MOREComedians Chris Forbes and Josie Long marked 1 week to go until Glasgow Comedy Festival kicks off by performing their shortest sets ever in city centre bar VEGA's very own disco lift!
READ MOREFan-favourite and winner of Best New Musical (What'sOnStage Awards 2023), Bonnie & Clyde The Musical has announced full casting for the production's first ever UK & Ireland tour!
READ MOREPlatform, one of Glasgow's coolest venues, is set to mark its sixth birthday anniversary with a series of exciting events and special customer incentives throughout March!
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.
READ MOREThe Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, will be back at the SEC Glasgow on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May.
READ MOREProvand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow, will reopen on Friday 29th March 2024, the charity Glasgow Life has confirmed.
READ MOREFriday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"