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quoteCaravan historian launches two new books
A new book of photographs of caravans from the 1920s to the 2020s has been published by caravan historian and author Andrew Jenkinson.
“A Visual History of Caravans” included unseen photographs and sales brochures from Andrew’s vast archives and also includes some of the lesser-known caravan brands.
Andrew grew up with caravans, from his grandparents owning two touring caravans’ in the late ’50s and early ’60s and then his parents buying their first caravan – a 1968 Sovereign 343 four-berth. He’s written 14 books on caravan, motorhomes and static caravan histories to date and his passion for design and manufacturing has evolved over 50 years, amassing a very substantial archive.
His new book is a visual look at the heritage of the touring caravan over 100 years.
“The book witnesses the UK being the inventor, developer and major producer of touring caravans,” said Andrew. “Images show how caravan interior/exterior design has evolved and has been influenced by domestic trends through the decades. With nostalgic images, the book brings to life this often-forgotten yet important aspect of the modern touring caravan.”
Imported caravans and UK-manufactured models featured show how continental tastes differ.
“The touring caravan is a modern and sophisticated leisure vehicle that has evolved since the first commercial built Eccles brand caravan back in 1919,” added Andrew. “A then rich man’s hobby, it became more affordable by the 1930s and this was made possible with more modern production techniques.
“The design of the caravan emerged from a basic box-like profile influenced by the 1800s horse-drawn gypsy caravan that became a fashionable form of holiday with the gentry. Dr Gordon Stables a retired Naval Officer influenced this idea with his specially built horse-drawn caravan “The Wanderer” – now on show at the Broadway Club campsite.”
The book contains many unpublished and rare images, as well as cars from the period too. It’s priced at £25 and is available to buy from Waterstone, WHSmith or Amazon.
Taking a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s, Andrew has also released another new book, “Caravanning in the 1970s”.
It captures the atmosphere and essence of caravanning and motoring in the 1970s and describes the typical caravan holiday of that decade.
“In an era of high oil prices, industrial unrest and when the shine of the 1960s seemed to be fading, caravanning was an ideal solution for those who chose to holiday in the UK and abroad without breaking the bank,” said Andrew.
The book also includes fascinating detail about the different types and makes of caravans, including Swift and others, as well as the bestselling cars that towed them, from the Sunbeam Rapier to the Ford Capri. It also highlights essential 1970s caravanning equipment, including portable TVs, stereo tape players, push-button radios, barbecues and portable fridges.
Andrew shows how comparatively easy caravanning was in the 1970s, including ease of access to the countryside and even the beach and a lower volume of traffic. Caravan sites also developed to provide ever more lavish facilities.
Accompanied by period photographs of both 1970s caravans and cars, “Caravanning in the 1970s” is an entertaining and informative guide to caravanning 50 years ago! It’s priced at £15.00 from Amberley Publishing and is also available in Kindle, Kobo and iBook formats.
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