I've taken two photographs of my Great Grandfather with two of his sons, and the Apprentice, hooping a wheel at their Blacksmith shop in Coxwold. I apologise for the quality, they have come to me via a rather circuitous route which may have involve them being photocopied at one stage.
In this image the rim has been put on water poured on to shrink it to the wheel as can be seen by the steam. There are a number of triangles, with the main one being between Robert and his sons Jack (in shirt sleeves) and Henry looking intently at the wheel as the rim shrinks. A lesser one involves Robert, Henry and the boy with his gaze waiting for the order for more water.
All four are involved in a sort of lozenge or kite shape of interaction.
In this image, the wheel must have cooled, the ground looks wet and Robert ( he has is own triangulation formed with his rather handsome moustaches) and Jack examining the new rim and the boy hammer in hand ready to strike.
A lesser triangle is formed with Henry but he is now in a passive pose, sitting with something in his hand.
Wonderful action pictures, no matter what the quality. I saw this being done on BBC’s ‘Victorian Farm’ I believe. Fascinating stuff.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures were very educational for me as I had no idea how rims were put on wheels.
ReplyDeleteAh, very good with the triangles. And wonderful shots of people working. Rare.
ReplyDeleteGood to see a wheel being made in the 'old fashioned' way. Pictures like these must not be lost.
ReplyDeleteA pictorial geometry lesson of the best and most interesting kind. The less than perfect quality of the images somehow makes them even more interesting, drawing you in to search out what is going on.
ReplyDeleteWhile the quality of the photos may leave a little to be desired, the content is magnificent. I'm going to admit to being a little jealous - there's not many who have such vibrant occupational photos of our ancestors.
ReplyDeleteFabulous finds indeed no matter by what route you received them. And, who knows, maybe someone will see this post who has the originals!
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff, Mike. We had a Wheelwright in our family, too. No photographs, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI learned something with these photos!
ReplyDeleteI had to look at the 2nd, enlarged; it could be a painting with exquisite shadows. Dark and haunting of a time ago.
ReplyDeleteNice photos but it's hard for me to read with the light print and the busy background :-(
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos. I agree with Brett, very rare and priceless to have family occupational action photos.
ReplyDeleteAmazing triangular visions in this. Awesome to see a wheel being made like that!
ReplyDeleteI love these two photos! Making things was jolly hard physical work in them days!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing privilege to literally look into your family's past! I'm blown away...wish my ancestors had had the foresight to stash away a few pictures of their own.
ReplyDelete