Barber seeks museum for vintage collection

Anthony Bates, 46, wants to open a museum in Bridlington to house his collection of 1940s memorabilia

A barber in East Yorkshire wants to open a museum to house his extensive collection of 1940s-themed memorabilia.

Clip Barber Shop in Bridlington is currently home to a wealth of items which treat customers to a trip back in time.

The owner, Anthony Bates, 46, said his collection deserved a more public home in the coastal town.

"I just started collecting more and more and then customers started adding to it," said Mr Bates.

The barber shop has a number of artefacts which transport the customers back in time

"It’s kind of like my private little man cave in a way", he added.

From cigarette packets to gas masks, Mr Bates' items extend from the front of the shop into a room straight from the 1940s.

The fireplace, the oven and an original slipper shaped tin bath all add to the period feel.

Past the barber’s chair and beyond the counter the World War Two era memorabilia is floor to ceiling.

The back room is the centrepiece of Mr Bates' private museum.

"Customers can have a look in the back. I even get people walking past the shop and asking to have a look", he explained.

It is hoped a permanent premises can be found to create a permanent museum in Bridlington

"His collection is out of this world", said customer and fellow collector Roger Monks.

“Most of this memorabilia I can relate to because I’m 86 years old. I worked in coal mines 27 years and all my collection is to do with coal mining. It’s massive", he added.

Together, the duo want to open a museum in the seaside town to showcase their finds to a wider audience.

"I was talking to a councillor, and he mentioned a couple of the banks that are empty in Bridlington that would make a good building", Mr Bates said.

"Bridlington doesn’t really have a museum and I’d like to give something back to the community", he added.

Listen to more on this story on BBC Sounds.

Follow BBC East Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]

The collection includes memorabilia from World War Two as well as a period fireplace and tin bath