c.1908 Orton & Sons, Spooner Showman's Living Van. Made for ...

Estimate

£20,000 - £25,000

c.1908 Orton & Sons, Spooner Showman's Living Van. Made for Enoch Farrah, Wakefield. Typical three bay layout with adult bedroom to the front, with bed and dressing table, living room with fireplace, cupboards and drop down dinning table, rear door to the back for winter compartment access, kitchen and double bunk to the rear. In 1928 the van went back to Orton's to be extended by 2 foot to accommodate the bunk beds.
The interiors' rare murals are original to c.1928 and unrestored, the van was restored c.2000 and last used c.2015. Originally on artillery wheels (the hubs are still in use) it has upgraded steel wheels, rear handbrake, Mollycroft roof and belly boxes.
Farrars Fun Fairs was founded by Enoch Clifford Farrar in 1876. The Farrar family originated in Wakefield, South Yorkshire and presented fairs around the county.
In 1905 Enoch Farrar joined other pioneering showmen acquiring his first cinematograph show, which he travelled with his other portfolio of rides and amusements until 1912, when he replaced it for a more impressive one, which became the largest travelling the countryside.
After Farrar’s death in the 1930's his sons carried on the business; for most of the twentieth century the business was managed by John Farrar, who lived to be 100 years old. After John’s death Farrar’s Fun Fairs passed to the Percival family, who continue to carry the Farrar name in the twenty first century.
George Orton, Sons & Spooner Ltd, was a fairground engineering and finishing company based in Burton-on-Trent, England. Between 1875 and 1954, they produced some of the most advanced and sophisticated equipment in the industry including rides, living wagons, transport and fairground shows for British and international showmen. It is said that the firm would only make wagons for their regular customers as there was no profit margin on them.