Last year I let you know about a coveted workshop offered up in Port Townsend, Washington on Gypsy Wagon design and builds. Jim Tolpin contacted me the other day to give me the schedule for the 2010 year.
Jim says, “We’ve shortened the seminars to three days to focus on design development and to make the class more affordable.” The price is $295 for the three day seminar and limited to 25 students at each of the seminars offered. Register Here.
In this three day weekend we will begin by exploring in depth how the late 19th century, English-made “Living Wagons” (called “Vardos” by the Gypsies)—were designed, built and used. Then we’ll move on to talk about how modern design and construction techniques can be adapted to create a wagon that will capture the traditional enchantment and coziness of the Vardo, yet be roadworthy for travel at today’s highway speeds. In the balance of the seminar you will have the opportunity to design your own wagon, from concept sketches to preliminary working drawings.
Some of the topics discussed:
- Designing a suitable chassis frame and running gear.
- Wheel size, number and placement
- Building strong, weatherproof floors, walls and ceilings.
- Plywood versus traditional solid wood frame construction (both are viable options, though each have pros and cons).
- Making attractive, but sturdy and weather-tight, doors and windows.
- Creating traditional carvings and decorative details.
- Designing and building the interior built-in cabinetwork
- Bending hoops and working with canvas (for Bow-top versions)
- Designing electrical and plumbing systems
- Installing heating systems
- Painting and varnishing
- Outfitting the wagon for the road.
Included in the cost of the course are drawing materials, detailed handouts and access to a free online forum where you can ask further questions and solicit advice.
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for students taking this course other than having a passionate interest in learning how to create the most cozy and lovable living space one could ever hope to spend some time in—on the road or in the garden!
What a wonderful opportunity! I’m glad to see these seminars are being offered and would love to see what the attendees come up with.
Jim is planning on sending me photos of a student’s wagon that is almost completed and I should be able to share it as a post sometime in the near future.
I like the Reading Wagons more. Any designs for that style?
Beth:
I like the Reading types as well…you can see one that i built a number of years ago on the school’s website (www.ptwoodschool.com)–click on “Gypsy Wagons”. I hope to start building another wagon this summer…it might be a Reading (or Ledge) this time!
The “vardoo” shown is SO BEAUTIFUL from the outside. Any chance of seeing some inside shots?
Or, at least, some idea of what is included on the inside … ?
Hi Rebecca – if you go to the previous post about this workshop you can see the inside of the vardo http://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-house/gypsy-wagon-workshop/
Kent
This may be what you call a Gypsy Waggon in your country but it is a far cry from the real genuine Gypsy Living Waggon. I am a Gypsy and live in the country where they originated from and are still made and lived in today. The real waggons combine grace, beauty, comfort, practicality and craftsmenship and are of course horse powered. The nearest thing we have to what you describe is a ‘whoopee’ which was designed in the 1960’s to be towed behind a car.
i am very interested
are these ever held in California or Arizona?
best wishes