BOW TOP CARAVAN
The original full size caravan is housed in a rural museum in Staffordshire. A picture of this vehicle also appears on page 90 of the book: - 'The English Gypsy Caravan'. The original was built by Bill Wright of Leeds in about 1900 or perhaps a little earlier. The model's build and decoration follows the original, the decoration being mainly green to the upper elements and predominately yellow to the lower parts. The Bow Top is ornately decorated on the outside with pictures of apples, pears and grapes. The inside is fully furnished showing the everyday 'working' layout.
The furnishings: -
- The bedchamber has a main bed with a bunk bed beneath. The principal bed may be enclosed with a pull-to curtain and the bunk with slide-to doors. The bedchamber has two mirrors on the back wall and a fitted plate rack. The front area is decorated with a scroll design. A pullout table and three drawers complete this area.
- The ceiling is clad with a Welsh plaid design giving a pleasing decorative finish.
- The stove is made of copper and brass and is complete with surround and etched mirrors to the mantelshelf.
- The storage facilities consist of a three cornered cupboard, a chest of drawers with an opening cupboard below. A cabinet with a picture of a wren etched onto the glass door. A scroll painted cupboard with three drawers complete the storage fittings.
- The seating is fitting in three places and covered in Welsh plaid to match the ceiling. Likewise the carpet is in the matching plaid.
- Three paintings of horses decorate the walls. Battery operated lighting may be used to see inside when the front entrance is opened.
The Ray Amphlett Collection
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