Baby Austin

On Sunday I drove to Lacock to see an exhibition of photographs by George Bernard Show, who, it turns out, was an avid photographer and one who believed that it should be considered an art form. Amongst his work were some shots taken at the public Paris unveiling of The Thinker in 1904.

On my way I'd stopped at Reybridge, a mile or so upriver, and was pleased to see a pair of swans on the Avon, the first I had seen there all year. I remarked on this to a guy who was passing by and he said they were similarly scarce this year on the stretch of canal in Devizes where he walked his dog daily. I have no idea whether these are the same pair that bred here in June last year, or indeed if they are a breeding pair at all.

The swans would have been my blip, had I not seen this classic saloon parked at the end of a picturesque run of cottages that run parallel to the river there.

It is an Austin Seven, not unlike the one that was my grandfather's first car in the thirties, except that this one is a Box Saloon Cabriolet, built probably in 1933-1934 at the Austin Longbridge plant near Birmingham. They were incredibly popular cars at the time, introduced in 1922, when they cost a little over £200. The first saloon appeared in 1926 but it was constantly evolving and changing, and was unusual in having four-wheel brakes. It was popular across the world and from 1929 was briefly produced in the USA, at Butler PA, though I think it never reached the salerooms there. This one is a 4-cylinder 747cc side-valve version, and is complete with indicators, opening windscreen, front wiper and brake-handle. As you can see, it is in great condition and was irresistible in its village setting. Dig those spokey wheels.

L.
13.7.2011

Lens: Pentax 18-55mm

Day #472
Blip #470
Consecutive Blip #467

Alternatives:
Swan #1
Swans #2
Thatched Cottage
Baby Austin And Garden

1 Year Ago: Bath (Unstaged entry)(Street photography)