Pictured above is the recently completed Gypsy Caravan, a smaller model is also available. See more photos of the Gypsy Caravan in the gallery.
What is it?
A vardo is a traditional horse-drawn wagon or caravan used by Romani people as their home. It is mostly highly decorated, intricately carved, brightly painted, and even gilded. The British Romani tradition of the vardo is seen as a high cultural point of both artistic design and a masterpiece of woodcrafter’s art. The heyday of the living wagon lasted for roughly 70 years, from the mid-1800s through the first two decades of the twentieth century. Not used for year-around living today, they are shown at the Romanichal horse fairs held throughout the year, the best known of which is Appleby Horse Fair.
The story
This Vardo was recently completed by Karavana and handed over to its owners. Discussions about building a vardo that could be towed by a car and still have the traditional look and feel of a Romany caravan, commenced in August 2013. Many ideas were mulled over coffee and cake, emails and phone including the pros of a covered porch area at the rear. Work started in January ‘14 and the vardos was completed with a handing over celebration in August 2014. It is a Romany tradition to celebrate the handover from maker to owner with music and dance. Romany tradition dictates two fiestas held in honour of the vardo, the first when it is sold after construction and the second when the owner passes. Historically a vardo has only one owner and is burnt on the passing of the owner along with their belongings. We’ve stuck to the first tradition!
The style
This Bow top style vardo is made with a wooden frame and roof. Traditionally the Bow top had canvas stretched over curved wooden frames The design originated and developed from the bender tents the Romany lived in before carriages. The tents (below) were constructed with supple hazel branches bent inwards to support the fabric. Canvas was originally used for the roof. Miguel has stuck to the original construction methods as far as possible. The colours are based on a traditional palette of burgundy, sober greens and cream. The teal roof was inspired by the original bow top roof made from stretched teal cotton duck canvas.
The ornate wooden carvings framing the front, rear and sides of the vardo are the result of many patient hours. Carvings are unique to each carriage maker and in the case of the Karavana vardos Miguel is creating a style inspired by traditional work, which will one day become identifiable with Karavana.
Some technical information and features:
- queen size bed at the rear with stained glass bay window
- stable – type style front door with stained glass
- cupboards run both sides of the interior for the full length
- weighs 900kgs, and is able to carry an extra tonne including chickens and kids, cruising at an easy 100km per hour
- hard wood floor and pine and marine ply frame
- ribbing made from stained marine ply
- roof is made with fully treated top quality marine ply
- double axle chassis means it tows without effort
- hydraulic brakes
- registered and compliant with all safety regulations
The wheels keep turning…
This Vardo is now equipped with pot belly stove, copper pots, a library, spices and a couple of well-thumbed tambourines (just in case). You may see it pass you on the Princes or Tamer Valley Highways. If so give it a wave… the only vardo of its type in Australia built from the ground up.
Thanks to Susan and Peter for facilitating such a project we wish them the happiest of times in their vardo. Thanks to Rod and Ken for the shed and the help.
We’re happy to discuss a vardo build for those of you willing to live the dream!.