Model Caravan thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Model Caravan

1975-1978 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Model of a Gypsy (Romany) caravan, made in three sections of carved, varnished and painted wood. The base is fixed to the body with three catches and the raised roof section fits snugly on. The hinges are brass.

The base has wheels and the horse shafts. The four wheels are painted yellow and red, with metal tyres. The front two can swivel. There is a painted box trunk at the back.

The body of the caravan is varnished, with the sides painted red, the trim painted yellow and the roof painted cream. There is a double door at each end and the doors are divided, so either the top half can be opened or the whole door. There are four windows, each with a blue and white curtain. At the back is a slatted tailboard held by two chains and hinged so it can be lowered. Inside is a brass copper stove, a plastic black cat stuck to the wall, shelving and seats. In the backs of two of the seats can fall to form the bed base.

The raised roof section is varnished, with the roof painted cream.

With the caravan is a varnished wooden table, a pair of curved steps, a pot and a lamp of metal painted to represent brass and copper.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved, painted and varnished wood; painted metal; brass; plastic; textiles
Brief description
Model gypsy caravan; Wood, English, 1975-1978
Physical description
Model of a Gypsy (Romany) caravan, made in three sections of carved, varnished and painted wood. The base is fixed to the body with three catches and the raised roof section fits snugly on. The hinges are brass.

The base has wheels and the horse shafts. The four wheels are painted yellow and red, with metal tyres. The front two can swivel. There is a painted box trunk at the back.

The body of the caravan is varnished, with the sides painted red, the trim painted yellow and the roof painted cream. There is a double door at each end and the doors are divided, so either the top half can be opened or the whole door. There are four windows, each with a blue and white curtain. At the back is a slatted tailboard held by two chains and hinged so it can be lowered. Inside is a brass copper stove, a plastic black cat stuck to the wall, shelving and seats. In the backs of two of the seats can fall to form the bed base.

The raised roof section is varnished, with the roof painted cream.

With the caravan is a varnished wooden table, a pair of curved steps, a pot and a lamp of metal painted to represent brass and copper.
Dimensions
  • Length: 61cm
  • Height: 35.6cm
  • Width: 20.3cm
Measurements taken from paper records - not checked on object.
Production typeUnique
Object history
This object was purchased by the Museum from its maker, John Bernard Mills, in 1978 [78/1394].
Production
The maker estimated this object took around 200 hours to make.
Subjects depicted
Collection
Accession number
MISC.251-1978

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Record createdJuly 1, 2009
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