Museum mechanic celebrates 50 years in the trade

Paul Raybould, a senior mechanic at Black Country Living Museum, is marking an impressive milestone this August – it has been 50 years since he first began his career as an apprentice motor mechanic.

On 5 August 1974, at the age of 16, Paul started his apprenticeship at Bradburn & Wedge, a Wolverhampton garage that was founded in 1915 by William Howard Bradburn out of a former horse trap depo on Darlington Street.

Paul’s career has now come full circle, as he’s back working in a Bradburn & Wedge garage again – in the Museum’s workshop based on the frontage of the Darlington Street premise that stores its automotive collection.

“I’m incredibly proud to have started my career at Bradburn & Wedge and to now be finishing it working on these beautiful old vehicles,” Paul says. “It’s come full circle in the best possible way.”

After his apprenticeship, Paul joined his father’s business in the 1980s and honed his skills working on a wide range of vehicles, from classic Austin and Morris models to vintage motorcycles.

“I’ve always been fascinated by taking things apart, making them better, and getting them running properly,” Paul explains. “Throughout my career, I’ve rebuilt engines from Minis to Jaguars, and everything in between.”

He joined the Museum’s transport team in 2022 and has been living his dream of working on vintage and classic transport like the 1912 Star ‘Victoria’ and Sunbeam motorcycles.

He’s now focused on restoring the Museum’s 1969 Invacar, which includes a rebuild of the chassis, engine and control systems, along with extensive repairs to the fibreglass bodywork.

As he reflects on his 50-year career, Paul remains as enthusiastic as ever about his craft. “I just love it,” he says, “especially when visitors at the Museum ask about the vehicles and I get a chance to share my passion.”