Â鶹Éç

Reading Gypsy Wagon

Contributed by The Devon Show

This Reading Gypsy Wagon or Vardo as it is better known was possibly built by Dutton of Reading in 1894. It's hard to tell as it was in a very poor state when Carole Ambridge bought it at the Dorset Steam Fair in 2000. She and her husband have restored it. Carole says it shows how the pace of life has changed and gives an insight into the Romany way of life. Even though there's very little space it is described as a Gypsy Palace. Everything is gilded and shiny and the best cut glass used as well as Crown Derby china. Everything is steeped in superstition. If a dog licked the plate it would be smashed rather than washed and used again. All cooking is done outside.

Comments are closed for this object

Share this link:

Most of the content on A History of the World is created by the contributors, who are the museums and members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the Â鶹Éç or the British Museum. The Â鶹Éç is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site’s House Rules please Flag This Object.

About this object

Click a button to explore other objects in the timeline

Location

Reading

Culture
Period

1894

Theme
Size
Colour
Material

View more objects from people in Devon.

Podcast

Â鶹Éç iD

Â鶹Éç navigation

Â鶹Éç © 2014 The Â鶹Éç is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.