As John Mason International celebrates 140 years of moving people and their belongings around the world, we are proud to donate a significant piece of our history to the Museum of Liverpool. A horse-drawn pantechnicon, used by our company over a century ago, has officially become part of the museum’s permanent collection, preserving a vital part of both our heritage and Liverpool’s industrial past.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Pantechnicon
The pantechnicon, a type of horse-drawn carriage specifically designed for removals, was built around 1910 in Leeds. In the early days of John Mason International, these sturdy vehicles were essential for transporting goods across Merseyside. They played a pivotal role in our company’s early operations, helping to deliver coal to homes and businesses across Liverpool before the age of motor vehicles.
Founded in 1884 by Mary Mason, the company began as a local coal delivery service, relying on horse and cart to get the job done. Over the years, as transport evolved from horse-drawn vehicles to motorised vans and eventually to modern shipping containers, John Mason International has grown alongside these changes, becoming a leader in international removals. Today, we manage over 10,000 moves a year to destinations across the globe, but our early pantechnicons remain a cherished part of our story.
Honouring 140 Years of History
Simon Hood, Executive Director of John Mason International, reflected on the historical significance of the donation: “This isn’t just a donation; it’s a celebration of our shared history with Liverpool. By entrusting the pantechnicon to the Museum of Liverpool, we are ensuring that this piece of the city’s – and our company’s – heritage will continue to inspire and educate future generations.”
The pantechnicon was first loaned to the city of Liverpool in 1984, marking the company’s centenary. Now, as we celebrate 140 years, we’ve made the decision to donate it permanently to the Museum of Liverpool, allowing future generations to learn about the city’s rich industrial past and the early days of the removals industry.
Preserving Liverpool’s Industrial Heritage
Sharon Brown, Curator of Land Transport at the Museum of Liverpool, shared her thoughts: “We are delighted that after caring for the John Mason pantechnicon on loan for many years, it will now form part of our permanent collection. It is a magnificent example of its type, and the history of this local company is fascinating.”
The pantechnicon, with its robust ladder frame and wooden wheels, is a symbol of a time when removals were a more manual and labor-intensive process. Long before modern vans, this carriage helped move heavy loads across Liverpool’s bustling streets, reflecting the ingenuity and hard work that has always been at the heart of our company.
From Horse-Drawn Carriages to Global Removals
John Mason International has come a long way from our humble beginnings with a horse and cart. While the removals industry has changed dramatically over the last century, our commitment to serving our customers with care and professionalism remains the same. Today, we’re proud to offer a range of international moving services, handling everything from sea freight to air cargo, but our pantechnicon reminds us of where it all began.
Simon Hood adds: “In our 140-year history, we’ve certainly come a long way, with specialists on multiple continents – but none of this would have been possible without the marvellous pantechnicon.”
Looking to the Future
As we look back on 140 years of history, we also look forward to the future. Donating the pantechnicon to the Museum of Liverpool is not just about preserving our past – it’s about inspiring the next generation. We remain committed to our Merseyside roots and are proud to have been part of Liverpool’s story for over a century.
