The Imperial War Museum (IWM) is facing backlash over its decision to close the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, which houses the world’s largest collection of Victoria Crosses (VCs).
The closure, set for 1 June this year, means more than 200 historic medals, including rare and significant awards, could be moved abroad.
Lord Ashcroft, the billionaire businessman and philanthropist who has spent decades collecting VCs and George Crosses (GCs), has expressed his “huge disappointment” at the museum’s decision, particularly the lack of consultation from trustees.
‘Galling’ Decision with No Consultation
In a strongly worded statement, Lord Ashcroft said:
“I remain hugely disappointed at the decision of the IWM to shut the gallery… It was particularly galling learning about this through a third party.”
The gallery, which was established in 2010 following Lord Ashcroft’s £5 million donation, has since provided free public access to an extraordinary collection of medals—each representing acts of extreme bravery.
More Than Just Metal and Ribbons
From World War I to modern-day conflicts, the Lord Ashcroft Gallery has served as a powerful tribute to the extraordinary courage of servicemen and women.
A recent museum statement urged the public to take this final opportunity to witness the collection in person:
“You’ll stand before medals awarded for acts so extraordinary they defy belief. These medals are so much more than just metal and ribbons—they represent lives, choices, and those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. This is your last chance to see them together, to understand their meaning, and to honour their legacy.”
The closure of the gallery will bring an end to a vital educational and historical resource, leaving many questioning why such an irreplaceable display is being removed from public view.
“The decision to close this gallery is nothing short of a disgrace,” said military historian Chris Bullivant. “These medals represent the courage, sacrifice, and extraordinary heroism of those who risked everything for their country. These are stories that must be told, not hidden away. The Imperial War Museum has a duty to honour these individuals, and shutting this collection down is an insult to their memory and the legacy they left behind.”
Medals May Go Abroad
With the gallery’s closure imminent, Lord Ashcroft has revealed that two Commonwealth nations have already offered to display the collection abroad. While he acknowledged the “logistical challenges”, he was “touched” by the interest in his collection despite the IWM’s decision.
“I am optimistic that, given time, this medal collection will go on public display again.”
Among the highlights of the collection is the medal group awarded to Captain Noel Chavasse, one of only three people to have been awarded a Victoria Cross and Bar (the equivalent of two VCs). His medals, awarded for his heroic actions in the First World War, remain one of the rarest military decorations in British history.
Families of VC Recipients Slam IWM’s Decision
Families of VC recipients have condemned the closure. David Jackson, whose father, Warrant Officer Norman Jackson, was awarded a VC in 1945, described the museum’s decision as “a sacrilege” and “senseless”. He called on the museum to reconsider, stressing the importance of keeping the medals accessible to the British public.
The IWM, however, has defended the move, stating that it needs to update its exhibitions to reflect conflicts within living memory, such as the Cold War, Falklands War, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
A spokesperson for the museum said: “We are very proud to have displayed the Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection at IWM London since 2010… To prepare for the development of these new spaces, The Lord Ashcroft Gallery at IWM London will close permanently from 1 June 2025.”
Rush to See the Medals Before Closure
As the deadline looms, visitor numbers are expected to rise sharply as people rush to see the collection before it is shut away—perhaps forever.
Lord Ashcroft remains hopeful that the medals will one day be returned to public view, quoting Sir Winston Churchill:
“You never can tell whether bad luck may not after all turn out to be good luck.”
With just weeks left before the doors close, the museum is urging visitors to pay their respects, reflect on history, and honour the legacy of those who earned these medals through extraordinary acts of valour. “It is our duty to remember the bravery of those who fought for our country.”
For more information go to www.lordashcroft.com
