My friend runs his own company which specialises in restoring Georgian sash windows. There are many thousands of sash windows in Bath.
The trike and trailer he is on is electrically powered. He has spent a small fortune on it, but it will - in the long run - pay for itself by advertising as he rides it around town. You cannot see the length of it in this picture, but both sides are written in the same style.
He has just finished restoring some huge windows with original glass in the house where Queen Charlotte lived in the 18th century. The garden flat of this house is currently up for sale - for £2 million.
I have never advertised my work, but relied solely on recommendations and word of mouth. My best client came into my workshop and asked to see me draw some suggestions for gate finials in stone. You can tell a lot about someone's work by seeing them draw. I have been working for them ever since, and that was about 25 years ago.
The Peaky Blinder outfit is not his working clothes, but in the old days, masons would go to work in a suit and tie. They took the jacket off, donned an apron and just got on with it.
Beautiful outfit Tom.
ReplyDeleteWe need more of these interesting chappies trolling around the world, it would make for a interesting life. Best you get yourself a pennyfarthing Tom, far more in line with your ancient craft. Just wish I could draw, I often say next time round if presented with a tick box of required attributes I will request just that!
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My grandfather always wore a collar and tie even when gardening. His best suit became his work suit when it needed replacing.
ReplyDeleteSash Windows are so beautiful strengthen.
I've just discovered my 3x great grandfather was a stone mason. I shall have to pay more attention to your work!
Lovely post. Thank you.
That should say "sash Windows are beautiful aren't they?"
DeleteI love his outfit! The bike is pretty cool, too.
ReplyDeleteMy brother wore a tie on the farm everyday. He still does in fact. Most men I know wear caps around here so the man on the tricycle looks normal to me and not dressed up. Good idea with the bike advertising.
ReplyDeleteUntil WW2, almost everyone went to work in a three piece suit and flat cap. Levi's was yet to cross the pond.
ReplyDeleteProbably excepting farmers, every man wore a three piece suit and fedoras to work. My great grandfather was a paper hanger. He removed his jacket and put on an apron. My grandfather was a watch/clock repairman. I remember him in a vest, too.
ReplyDeleteI admire the fellow on the bike. Does he have on-site sash repair in the outfit, or is it sized to haul away windows to a workshop. Sash windows were the bane of many homeowners. My dad and my brother could repair them.
I clean windows with my brother & we still see a lot of sash windows around these parts. -best to work from the inside (of house) out as the sash windows have a tendency to leak.
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