eHive - Food Museum

Name/TitleGypsy caravan

About this objectMade of wood, the interior is canary yellow, with the exterior maroon and canary. Wheel drag hanging under body and external sliding shutters to windows, rear window stained glass casement, side windows sash, door with window and opening double panels. Hay rack and food cupboard.
Inside is a bed with sliding drawer underneath, dresser, seat with lid and drawer, 2 wall cupboards, a shelf, a mirror, stove with chimney pipe.

Repairs undertaken in 1973 include repair of right hand shaft, a length of wood being inserted where an earlier repair had rotted. Tin sheet already there. Shaft then repainted. In July 1975, a lecturer from Leicester University who had done considerable research into caravans dated it back to the early 20th century, probably c.1910. The present colour is not traditional gypsy work, but the carvings, such as water spouts, are characteristic. Carving died out into the 19th century as it became too expensive.

Inscription and MarksExterior of caravan decorated with carvings: acorns, leaves etc.

Axle stamp front left: symbol of company Lones Vernon and Holden, Smethwick, axle and iron makers. Accompanying words read "LONES, VERNON & HOLDEN, SMETHWICK, 1887"

MeasurementsWidth (upper): 6'6"
Width (lower): 4'9.5"
Height of body: 6'2"
Height of chassis: 3'9"
Total height: 10'6"
Length (upper): 12'
Length (lower): 10'6"
Wheels front 3'3" (12 spokes)
Wheels rear: 4'3" (14 spokes)
Internal length: 8'8"
Internal width (upper): 5'4"
Internal width (lower): 4'4"
Internal height: c. 6'
Bed width: 3'
Dresser: 2'7" x 1'4" x 2'9" high
Seats: 2'11" x 1'2" with lid and drawer
Hay rack and food cupboard: 4'9" x 2'6" gridded

Object Typecaravan

Object numberSTMEA:A.3298