dave moore

I think that the smoke is coming from the chimney of a range in the cabin. I remember Charlie well, he set up on his own after working with David Baugh at Black Country Narrowboats. Neither to my taste.

I think that Charlie took it to Leicester in 67. I remember it arriving with cloths over the cabin side prior to the reveal. I saw it recently at Brinklow, lovely looking boat.

Hi Alec As far as I know, he is still with us. I last spoke with him about 21/2 years ago, old farts lamenting some of the changes of modern times. I have a few photos from the Gifford days, I’ll try and attach one here. If it doesn’t work send me an email address and I’ll try that way… if they would be of interest.

I’ve no idea who the painters might be but the roses are possibly inspired by the work of the late Malcolm Braine the boatbuilder at Norton Canes. Best I can do, I’m afraid.

Happy to help. I suggest that you add a coat of artists picture varnish, I’ve used this on some of my historic stuff. I have one of Bunny’s stools here at home from the early days. He was quite a prolific painter!

Hi all. I can confidently say that the painter of the can is Martin “ Bunny “ Bunford. An early canal enthusiast , he bought Gifford from Thomas Clayton’s when they finished in 66, using a mule for motive power. I knew him a little in those days and have been back in touch in recent years.

Hi all. I’ve just had the sad news that Pete Dufficy died recently. His company, Brenmarl Engineering, produced the Epping cast iron stove, used by many boaters with traditional back cabins. Another waterway stalwart gone. That’s all I have for the moment.

For many years now I have worked in the boat painting business as a signwriter and decorative painter. None of the yards I work with work to such short timescales, a month to 6 weeks is more likely. This involves stripping to bare steel after removing portholes or windows, filling imperfections then building up coat upon coat to a flawless finish. Coach enamel is the preferred medium though some yards are now using two pack for increased longevity. A cabin side bears little relation to a kitchen wall. I won’t go on….

Tony, exactly. The modern practices of covering the cabin top with coiled ropes, bags of coal and other stuff is simply asking for trouble.

It’s a great shame indeed. Not the first of the late Ian Thompson’s boat to suffer so. His tug Titan was cilled in Zouch lock some time ago and sank. My old boat Resolute was alongside when it happened but was forward enough to clear. Titan is now repaired, hopefully Tenacious will be recovered and repaired.

Hi. I know Tenacious well, all of the lettering and decoration is my work. She was built at Norton Canes in the mid 19s by Graham Edgson and Tony Bate for Dr Ian Thompson as a butty to his motor boat Temeraire but with an RN motor to enable it to travel independently. I believe it is currently breached on the bank on the Trent somewhere, having been caught out on high water. Good luck if you go forward, such a lovely boat deserves another good home.

I’m very sorry to hear of Roy’s passing, condolences to the family. I worked alongside him in the early 80s from his workshop in Oldbury at times when signwriting was more generally used. I saw him last a couple of years ago at the BCNS rally at the top of the Crow.

Whichever method you choose, I’ve always found that the “ ears” look best if the central tip reaches the top of the doors. Most yards I work with make hardboard templates for future use. If using lining tape, leave it in place until coverage is complete. Mid chrome yellow, commonly used, is difficult to cover in a single coat these days due to changes in paint formulation. Good luck!

Stencils my arse. Never!! But I would say that, wouldn’t I??😉

Artists oil colours are not usually used for canal style artwork. I’m happy to offer more information if needed. Message me for a phone number.