READING CARAVAN - THE "QUEEN"
D etails for this model were taken from the original full-size vehicle, which is housed at the Hartlebury Castle Museum, near Kidderminster. The date of the original is thought to be around the 1920-30s. The well-known gypsy caravan painter Peter Ingram decorated the original, built by Dunton of Reading.
This model, in 1/8th scale, follows very closely the original in its general construction except that the paintwork colouring varies slightly. The decoration is plum coloured for the upper parts and off-white for the lower areas. The decoration is complemented by over 700 motifs, many of which are in gold leaf. The inside is stained to a dark colour and varnished, as was the original. The inside is fully furnished with much detail. Curtains have not been fitted so that the decoration on the doors and windows may be easily seen. The material used for this model is hardwood for the main construction, brass for the metal work and glass to the windows. An all round good model, maybe, the best in the collection.
The Ray Amphlett Collection
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