62/29

Mr Fred Read (Maker)

This 'boat' pattern farm wagon was made by Mr Fred Read at Hedges Foundry in Bucklebury. Mr Read worked at the Foundry between 1921 and 1946. After 1946 he carried on his trade as a wheelwright in the employment of a local builder, and it was at this time that this wagon was overhauled and received a new undercarriage, wheels and shafts, and was completely repainted. The wagon was used in nearby Hampstead Norris from when it was first purchased until 1961.

1 wagon: wood; metal

MERL miscellaneous note - 'This wagon was made originally for Sir William Cooke at the Bucklebury Foundry by Mr. Fred Read, a wheelwright employed by Mr. King since 1921. // When the Foundry was sold in 1946 to Messrs. Whatley Bros., agricultural engineers, Mr. Read left, and sought employment with a local builder, Mr. A. W. Millson. He carried out his trade as a wheelwright and many of his old customers bought their work to him. // It was then that this wagon was overhauled and received a new undercarriage, wheels and shafts, and was completely repainted. // The years passed, and Mr. Read, having reached the age of sixty-five, decided to retire, but soon a leisurely life became irksome and he returned to work; not as a wheelwright, as the work was too heavy for him, but as a painter and decorator. // When he finally retired at seventy years of age a new van or lorry had only to arrive at Mr. Millson's yard for Mr. Read to be seen walking down the lane with his signwriting case in his hand. The 'village grapevine' had conveyed the news to him that his skill was needed before any formal message could be sent. // He died, aged eighty, on January 5th. 1968, and another fine old craftsman was lost to Bucklebury. // [insert] Information from Mr A W Millson... Bucklebury // ... 30 January 1976.', MERL miscellaneous note - 'Purchased with 62/28 for £7.00'

Hedges Foundry [Bucklebury Village [Bucklebury]]

1921 - 1946

Wood, Metal