Sir Neil Cossons | 1939 – 2026

The Newcomen Society is deeply saddened at the news of Sir Neil Cossons’s death on Sunday 29 March. A member of the Newcomen Society since 1963, he served as President from 2001 to 2003 and was awarded the Society’s Dickinson Memorial Medal in 2001. Always supportive of its work, he was an inspiration to us all.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, he was a passionate advocate for Industrial Heritage, and in 1971 was the first Director of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum.  In 1983 he moved on to become Director of the National Maritime Museum Greenwich for the next 3 years, then Director of the Science Museum from 2000 and finally Chairman of English Heritage until 2007.

In addition, he was a founding member of the Association of Independent Museums, member of the National Heritage Memorial Fund/Heritage Lottery Fund Board and held an advisory role on industrial heritage conservation for the Government of Japan.

Photo Credit: Board Of Trustees Of The Science Museum

Peter Turvey is Hon. Secretary of the Newcomen Society, a former Science Museum London Curator and past Chair of Crofton Beam Engines. His main interests are Industrial Heritage sustainability and conservation.

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   Eleanor Knowles 18th April 2026 at 1:39 pm - Reply

   Sad news. Rest in peace and rise in glory Sir Neil.

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