GYPSY
CARAVAN IS WELCOME ADDITION AT
WEALD & DOWNLAND OPEN AIR MUSEUM
Gypsy Van Enhances Collection of ‘Living’ Vans
An
authentic Gypsy Caravan dating from the late 1800s is the latest addition
to the historic collections at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, at
Singleton, near Chichester. The Reading-style van is an impressive example
of a south of the country travellers van, retaining most of its original
features and being very well cared for over its long history.
The
Museum already possesses a small collection of ‘living’ vans including two
19th century shepherds’ huts, and an early 20th century workman’s hut,
which have been carefully restored and are permanently displayed on the
Museum site. The Gypsy Caravan has most recently been in the possession of
a private owner in East Grinstead, who in turn bought it in 1958 from an
elderly lady from Rye, East Sussex, who had actually lived in the van for
the previous 38 years. Therefore the Museum has the provenance of the
caravan for at least 80 years of its history.
The
caravan is thought to date from between 1880 and 1900 and comes complete
with its original shafts, hay carrier and external lamps as well as all
the interior fixtures, fittings, and most of the contents from when it was
sold in 1958. It has been regularly maintained by suitable craftsmen and
full records kept of the work.
The
previous owner of the caravan was keen that it should be found a suitable
home where it would be appropriately cared for, which prompted her to
offer it to the Museum. Over the winter months, the caravan will be on
display in the Downland Gridshell conservation workshop, where it will
undergo required maintenance before being found a permanent home on the
Museum site.
“I am
sure the Gypsy Caravan will be prove to be a very popular addition to the
Museum’s collection” commented Museum Director Richard Harris. “Its
vernacular qualities are an appropriate complement to our other exhibits: it
is a fascinating example of just how much variation there can be in the
homes and workplaces featured here at the Museum, which represent those of
the ordinary people of south east England over the last 500 years.”
The
Museum is open daily until the end of October from 10.30 am - 6.00 pm,
and every weekend November - February from
10.30am –
4pm.
Admission charges are: adults £7, over 60s £6.50; children £4, family ticket
£19.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The award-winning Weald & Downland Open Air Museum is England’s leading
museum of historic buildings and traditional rural life. It has over 45
historic building exhibits from town and country and is designated by the
Government for the outstanding importance of its collections. Exhibits
include a medieval farmstead; a working Tudor kitchen, a watermill producing
stoneground flour; exhibitions focusing on traditional building techniques
and agriculture; historic gardens and farm livestock. The Museum runs a
well-established and lively programme of courses in building conservation
and rural crafts. There is a café which uses the Museum’s own produce and a
museum shop with gifts and books on countryside and buildings themes. An
important new addition is the multi-award-winning Downland Gridshell, the
Museum’s new building conservation centre and artefact store. In addition to
a free daily Gridshell tour, visitors may now view the collections by prior
appointment with the Curator.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Reporters and photographers are welcome at the Museum.
For
further information call the Museum information line on 01243 811348 or
contact Cathy Clark, Marketing Officer
Tel:
01243
811014.
Fax:
01243 811475
Email:
marketing@wealddown.co.uk.
Full
details about the Museum and its activities can be found at
www.wealddown.co.uk
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