Historic Wolseley featured in Steve Goodwin commission ahead of this year’s RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
This year’s RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (Sunday 2 November) will mark the 125th anniversary of the seminal 1000 Mile Trial of 1900. To commemorate this milestone in motoring history, the Royal Automobile Club has commissioned a special artwork by renowned graphic designer Steve Goodwin.
The striking lino print depicts the 1899 Wolseley 3.5hp Voiturette, designed and driven by a young Herbert Austin during the 1000 Mile Trial. Affectionately known as ‘OWL’ from its distinctive registration plate, the Wolseley is housed at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, and is one of only two surviving cars from the 65 pioneering vehicles that started the ground-breaking city-to-city event, which captivated the nation.
Organised by the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland – later the Royal Automobile Club in 1907 – the original nationwide drive was designed both to test the endurance of early motor cars on a challenging route to and from London via Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Kendal, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield and Nottingham, and to promote the benefits of motoring to the British public.
For many spectators, it was the very first time they had seen a motor vehicle in action – an atmosphere that Goodwin has captured in his stylish relief print, complete with roadside crowds marvelling at the new machines.
“It was a lovely surprise and a real honour to receive this commission from the Royal Automobile Club,” said Steve Goodwin. “The 1000 Mile Trial was such an important event, and I wanted to reflect both its historical significance and the incredible public interest it generated.”
The retro style adopted certainly helps to capture the period and brings together Goodwin’s two passions: traditional printmaking and motoring. Having worked in a printers after school, he retains a love for pre-digital techniques. Alongside his artistic pursuits, he is an active member of the Tunbridge Wells Motor Club, where he has organised countless events and has even served as a volunteer marshal on themagical Veteran Car Run.
Goodwin’s work has also gained recognition at the Royal Automobile Club’s annual Art of Motoring exhibition, one of the highlights of London Motor Week, which concludes with the London to Brighton Run. The exhibition celebrates Britain’s finest automotive artists at the prestigious Iconic Gallery in Waterloo Place.
To honour the 125th anniversary of the game-changing 1000 Mile Trial, the historic Wolseley will lead more than 400 veteran cars from Hyde Park at daybreak on Sunday 2 November, officially opening this year’s Run.
Goodwin’s commemorative image will also feature prominently over the coming months, appearing on event promotional materials including the official programme cover. A limited edition of 10 signed and numbered prints (10.5 x 15.5 inches) will be available at £150 each (inclusive of VAT). In addition, a special run of posters and packs of 10 postcards featuring the artwork will be produced.
These exclusive anniversary items can be ordered online exclusively from the Royal Automobile Club Shop at www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk.
