Colin Chapman

The original Lotus building in Hornsey. As the building looks today. The building work will take approximately 15 months, subject to confirmation with the site owners and fund raising. The target is for the museum to be in mature operation to coincide with the 2012 Olympic Games. A launch exhibition is planned for later in 2007. This will be held a... t the recently refurbished and readopted Railway pub (formerly owned by Colins father, Stan) adjacent to the works. It is also hoped that this display can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Elite and Seven which were both developed whilst Lotus was at Hornsey. Here is how the site looks today from the air. The site is outlined in red. The square building facing onto the road was an extension built in 1957, which housed a drawing office and a small showroom, in which the new Elite was displayed. The building at the top of the photo is the Railway Hotel, now called The Wishing Well, which was owned by Colin Chapmans father, Stan. The original Lotus works were previously a stable block used by Stan Chapman as stores for the pub. The company currently operating the pub, The Bar Group, intend to celebrate its link with Lotus through having a display of early Lotus photos and memorabilia in the bar area.Read More