Tuesday marks a poignant moment for Lord Michael Ashcroft as the Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London prepares to close the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, a space housing the world's largest private collection of Victoria Crosses (VCs) and George Crosses (GCs), amassed over nearly 40 years. This gallery, opened in 2010 and funded by Lord Ashcroft’s own £5 million donation, has been a focal point of remembrance and inspiration, showcasing over 200 VCs and a significant collection of GCs, honouring Britain’s and the Commonwealth's most extraordinary acts of gallantry.
The decision to close this gallery comes as the IWM shifts its focus towards expanding exhibitions on more recent conflicts and embedding diversity into its displays, aiming to reflect a broader spectrum of wartime experiences beyond the traditional focus on the First and Second World Wars. According to statements from the museum, the move aligns with efforts to better represent conflicts within living memory of many visitors, but it has met substantial criticism. Lord Ashcroft has expressed deep disappointment, warning that the closure diminishes public access to the heroic narratives that have inspired hundreds of thousands who visited the gallery.
Among the stories that will no longer be prominently visible to visitors are the valorous actions of Sergeant Norman Jackson, who earned his VC during a dangerous bombing raid over Germany in 1944, and Captain Noel Chavasse, one of only three men awarded the VC twice for extraordinary bravery during the First World War. Jackson’s courage in tackling a blazing aircraft wing while wounded and Chavasse’s relentless medical heroism under fire possess a timeless resonance, illustrating the qualities of duty, sacrifice, and selflessness.
Lord Ashcroft, whose passion for military gallantry medals began in his youth inspired by familial war stories, built this collection as a lifelong labour of love and intended to gift it to the IWM. However, the gallery’s closure has altered those plans, with Lord Ashcroft now seeking a new venue to ensure these medals and their stories remain accessible. He highlights that his collection, valued at around £70 million, represents tangible evidence of individual bravery and service – elements he fears could be overshadowed by what some critics label the museum’s increasing focus on so-called "woke" issues and diversity narratives at the expense of traditional martial valor.
The controversy surrounding the gallery’s closure also touches on governance changes at the IWM, including the appointment of new trustees without military backgrounds, adding to concerns about the institution’s future direction. Nonetheless, the museum maintains that presenting a wider array of wartime experiences is essential in today’s context.
Following Lord Ashcroft’s appeals and legal pressure, the IWM agreed to keep the gallery open until the end of September 2025, beyond its initially planned closure in June. This extension allows visitors a final opportunity to engage with the remarkable collection, especially during commemorations like the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and school holidays. Lord Ashcroft has encouraged the public to visit before the gallery closes its doors for good.
As this chapter closes, the fate of the Victoria and George Crosses collection underscores a broader cultural debate about how societies remember and represent military history. While the IWM adapts to contemporary themes and audiences, Lord Ashcroft’s enduring commitment to honouring the "bravest of the brave" reminds us that courage remains a foundational human virtue that commands respect and recognition across generations.
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Source: Noah Wire Services