Celebrating 100 years of MG

In 1924, the first car rolled out of the “Morris Garages” on Longwall Street, Oxford. That first car marked the start of the MG Motor Company. After one hundred years, the historic building still stands on Longwall Street (now part of New College) and is a reminder of the pioneering engineering used by Cecil Kimber when creating “Old Number One” (pictured above).

The success of MG soon meant operations had to move from Longwall Street to larger premises in an area to the east of the city called as Cowley. It is an area of Oxford where automotive manufacturing continues to take place. Since its inception, MG has become a beloved marque and one of the world’s most recognisable car brands. Warden of New College, and MG enthusiast, Miles Young writes:

In recognition of this centenary year, New College has commissioned renowned British artist Paul Day to create a magnificent, flagship sculpture that captures the essence of the nascent MG cars and the marque’s sporting DNA. Paul Day is a renowned British sculptor who is known for some of his most memorable work, including The Meeting Place in St. Pancras International Railway Station, and the official memorials for the Battle of Britain and the Iraq and Afghanistan War, both situated in Whitehall. 

As a child, Paul “enjoyed fast trips in open top MGs through the countryside.” Paul’s commission therefore felt a natural fit for the task at hand.

The sculpture will sit inside the private courtyard, just a few feet away from where Old Number One was made. The exact location can be found at what3words.com and searching ///seated.string.uses.

Once in situ, a once almost forgotten corner of New College will be celebrated as the birthplace of MG and stand as a tribute to the engineering skill and pioneering vision of Cecil Kimber. 

To support the funding of this sculpture, a limited run of fifty individually numbered bronze MG maquettes are available for purchase. Each bronze will be individually made at a trusted foundry in Europe and will measure approximately 24cm x 23cm x 18 cm. Proceeds from the maquettes will go to help fund the flagship sculpture that will sit proudly outside the Morris Garages. All maquette owners will be cordially invited to join in the eventual unveiling of Paul Day’s flagship sculpture at New College.

 The maquettes are on sale for £6000 GBP and can be ordered using the button below, and international shipping is available at no extra cost. If you have any questions, please contact us using the button below or call +44 (0)1865 2799491