Home to tinkers and showpeople for over four centuries, the horse-drawn gypsy caravan is thought to have originated in India. From here they travelled throughout Europe where, with their elaborately carved panels, puffing chimneys and top-heavy appearance, they and the colourful gypsy folk who lived in them left behind an air of mystery and romance that continues to intrigue us today. The Reading wagon, seen through the south of England around the turn of the century, was considered the most beautiful of its type. also known as the "Kite" because of its flared sides, it consisted of matchboard panelling, large rear wheels for a high ground clearance, a gargoyle in each top corner for dispersing rainwater and often mollicroft windows in the roof to allow in extra light.

This authentically decorated Gypsy Caravan captures the spirit of the Gypsies - those mysterious people who travelled the highways and byways of England and the Continent in horse drawn carriages at the turn of the century!

This particular model is a reproduction of the classic Reading wagon - or "Kite" as it was also known because of its flared sides. The large rear wheels made for better clearance and the gargoyles in each top corner served to disperse rainwater.

(1993)

Scale: 1:43