Remembering Robert Davey

All of us at The Museum of English Rural Life are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Robert Davey. 

Robert was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and a highly valued member of our community – a regular friendly face at our events, a passionate supporter of our work, and a dedicated contributor to enhancing our collections across 10 years of exceptional volunteering. 

A talented researcher

For many years, Robert’s volunteering at the museum focused on improving our collections of technical engine drawings. These rank among our most-consulted collections by people from all kinds of backgrounds: from historians and engineers, to steam enthusiasts restoring engines of their own. 

Robert’s volunteering began with a focus on documenting engine drawings from the records of the John Fowler Company. Robert meticulously recorded individual engine numbers from the pages of engine registers, enabling future researchers to find relevant documentation for Fowler engines with ease and – if required – send requests for copies. Overall, this covered more than 8,000 pages of engine registers. If you’re ever looking through our Fowler records, that’s all thanks to Robert. 

Robert continued his work by documenting the engine registers of the Wallis & Steevens Company, adding nearly 1,800 pages to our catalogue. Robert completed much of this work while navigating periods of illness, volunteering with us remotely after the pandemic. 

“Robert was resolute in his work and achieved such a huge amount in his time here,” said Sharon Maxwell, Archivist.  

“I will miss Robert very much, especially for his dedication and enthusiasm for our collections and making them more accessible to everyone.” 

In recognition of Robert’s immense service and contributions, the University of Reading recently awarded Robert a Centenary Long Service certificate  as part of the 2026 Celebration of Volunteering. “It is very gratifying to get a thank you,” Robert wrote to us in a note after receiving his certificate. “I will treasure it.” 

“We’re so glad we had the chance to formally recognise Robert’s contribution this year,” said Sheila Fisher, Volunteer Coordinator for Museums Partnership Reading. “Robert’s legacy will assist researchers for decades to come.” 

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather 

Robert is survived by his wife Sharon, who plays a pivotal role in the museum’s daily life as a member of our visitor services team. Alongside Sharon, their children and grandchildren, Robert was a frequent friendly face at our family events, and all the extended family have appeared in many MERL photoshoots over the years. 

“I should mention the remarkable bond between Robert and Sharon,” said Kate Arnold-Forster, Director of The MERL and the University of Reading’s Museums and Collections. “Sharon was an inspiration in how she cared for Robert, compassionate and indomitable, and shared evident pride in Robert’s knowledge and achievements as a volunteer.  Being able to witness Robert’s spirit, humour and appreciation of Sharon’s support was very special. They had an amazing partnership.” 

It is one of the great comforts of our museum to have such a strong community – from the visitors we welcome to our galleries and events throughout the year, to our dedicated staff, to our volunteers who make immense contributions in all walks of the museum’s life. 

Robert typified the very best aspects of The Museum of English Rural Life. We are extremely grateful for his time with us and miss him very dearly.