Full circle; my late university project.
I remember sitting in a small side street bar in Barcelona, part of a group of students searching for cheap beers and a sense of identity. We were on a university trip to the city, sitting on bean bags and bar stools with fellow students and tutors.
When I think of my time studying for my degree, the yearly trips abroad stick out. They were, for want of a better phrase, life affirming. In part because we had the best of both worlds. We felt like adults, in strange and distant lands, but we also had the safety net of a small group of tutors to look after us. The smaller age gap meant we also called these tutors our friends. The relationship being forged out of choice not necessity. We had chosen to be at university. That notion broke the fourth wall of teacher – student relationship. We could see the ink and paint on the fingers and hands of those that mentored us through this design course. In a century old arts college building. We saw them as equals, as friends.
Set off, take some detours, yet somehow arrive back at your point of departure. This is how building this particular campervan felt for me. To be entrusted to build a rolling home for my previous tutor, who sat across a desk and helped me refine my own creativity, with structure and feedback. Sometimes with a kick up the proverbial backside. Louise is one of those tutors who got to know us, most likely understood us more than we understood ourselves. Full of pride and burgeoning ego. Now ten years later, her and partner James had entrusted us to build their campervan. It is a lovely thing just to see someone from your past, even better to work with them on a project, when so much has changed.
The base vehicle is a stunning blue LWB VW T4; it had to be. We named this layout the ‘Pioneer’ for a reason. It has become synonymous with this space. The proportions have been refined over many years and now we know the secret formula. British white Ash, cord lining, dark Iroko worktops and brass finishes. Wide wheels with rugged tyres and habitation systems that wouldn’t look out of place in the engine room of a super yacht.
I know this van will be cherished by Lou and James. When we talk about T4s this is as good as it gets. Like all of these vans we are lucky enough to build, this project was a joy to be a part of.
And Lou, sorry for the late hand in of this project, it might be ten years late and I know it wont count towards my final degree, but I have a feeling it is my best work…