1,000 MILE TRIAL SURVIVOR HONOURED IN SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE ARTWORK
The historic Wolseley“ OWL” is featured in a special commission ahead of this year’ s RM Sotheby’ s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Jonathan Gill speaks to artist Steve Goodwin about the honour
With this year’ s RM Sotheby’ s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run marking the 125th anniversary of the seminal 1,000 Mile Trial of 1900, the Royal Automobile Club commissioned a special artwork by renowned graphic designer Steve Goodwin to illustrate that momentous milestone in motoring history.
The striking lino print depicts the 1899 Wolseley 3.5hp Voiturette, designed and driven by a young Lord Herbert Austin during the 1,000 Mile Trial. Affectionately known as“ OWL” from its distinctive registration plate, the Wolseley is housed at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, and is one of only two surviving cars from the 65 pioneering vehicles that started the ground-breaking city-to-city event, which captivated the nation.
‘ The 1,000 Mile Trial was such an important event, and I wanted to reflect both its historical significance and the incredible public interest it generated.’
Organised by the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland – later the Royal Automobile Club in 1907 – the original drive was designed both to test the endurance of early motor cars on a challenging nationwide route to and from London and to promote the benefits of motoring to the British public.
For many spectators, it was the very first time they had seen a motor vehicle in action – an atmosphere that Goodwin has captured in his stylish relief print, complete with roadside crowds marvelling at the new machines.
‘ It was a lovely surprise and a real honour to receive this commission from the Royal Automobile Club,’ said Steve Goodwin.‘ The 1,000 Mile Trial was such an important event, and I wanted to reflect both its historical significance and the incredible public interest it generated.’
The retro style adopted certainly helps to capture the period and brings together Goodwin’ s two passions: traditional printmaking and motoring. Having worked in a printers after school, he retains a love for pre-digital techniques. Alongside his artistic pursuits, he is an active member of the Tunbridge Wells Motor Club, where he has organised countless events and has even served as a volunteer marshal on the magical Veteran Car Run.
Goodwin’ s work has also gained recognition at the Royal Automobile Club’ s annual Art of Motoring
30 The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run