Spalding’s Chain Bridge Forge blacksmith takes on challenge to create replica of first British car
A blacksmith and artist who admits he likes a challenge has taken on the biggest one of his career to date – by creating a replica version of the first all-British designed and built car.
Ryan Atkin is recreating a full-size statue version of the car made by engineer Richard Stephens and Clevedon Motor Cars back in 1897, which when finished will take pride of place on a roundabout in the town, near Bristol, where the original was produced.
Ryan, who lives in Lincoln, and splits his time working between Spalding’s Chain Bridge Forge, and a forge at St Mary’s Guild Hall, on Lincoln High Street, where he also teaches, has already spent more than 160 hours working on the special commission.
“There were only 12 of these cars made back in the day and only two have survived,” he says. “I don’t think many people know about it, or realise it was the first fully British designed and made car.
“I’ve never made anything like this before. I went down to West Sussex to see one of the surviving ones and measured everything I possibly could, so I could make some templates.
“The one I’m making is going to be completely to scale, an exact copy. Mark Reber who commissioned the piece also used some paper and crayons to take some accurate rubbings.
“I’ve already spent 160 hours on it, but there’s still a lot of work to do – it’s the upholstery that’s taking the time.”
Ryan, who works under the name Ryan’s Iron, was asked to make the statue by car enthusiast Mr Reber, of Clevedon, who he’s worked for previously. He runs a regular car show and group in the town and asked members to make a donation in order to fund the statue.
He is shaping lengths of steel to make the frame and the interior of the car, which once complete will be galvanised to protect it from the elements.
The finished piece will stand around 1.4m high, be 1.5m wide and measure around 2.7m in length. Like the original the replica car has no roof but there is seating in the back for passengers.
Ryan added: “It’s quite complicated – I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s taken a long time, but I’m really pleased with how it’s turning out.
“I’ve got the seats that go in the front to complete and then there’s some fine tuning as it’s not all fully welded together. It’s only tacked at the moment; I won’t fully weld it until it’s finished and then it will be officially unveiled sometime next year.”
Other bespoke pieces Ryan has made include gates, railings, staircases, handrails, fireside sets, wall art, house signs and sculptures.
* To find out more about his work follow him on Facebook -facebook.com/traditionalblacksmith/