Leeds GATE

To end Gypsy Roma Traveller History month, we wanted to share some gorgeous photos from the Spaven family of just one of their traditional bow top wagons, with words from Elizabeth Spaven. There are also beautiful photos of the Jowetts workshop.

"We are proud to have owned this bow top wagon over 20 years, bought off Joe Buxton (our communications assistant at Leeds GATE's Grandad!), on Appleby fair. The wagon was built around 1996 by Phillip Jowett in Benthem, so it is a famous Jowett wagon.

It was one of two identical wagons built for Sandham Brothers in Bradford. They were both originally painted maroon by John (Yorkie) Greenwood. We then had ours repainted a few years later into the green it is now, also again by Yorkie. He is a renowned wagon painter and in our opinion one of the best in the country."

We love stories and objects like this that connect multiple families and traditions from the culture together over many generations, and for keeping them safe for generations to come. Thank you Elizabeth Spaven for sharing. We hope you enjoy the photos too.

Photos by Cath Muldowney Photography