Afghan & Pakistan folk art of the painted truck
Martha is a restored classic Bedford J-type truck.
J-types are famous for being highly decorated, colourful goods vehicles in India, Pakistan & Afghanistan.
Drivers keep paints in the bellybox and often continue to decorate their vehicle en route. Illustrations and patterns tell a story and give clues to tribal and other identification.
Telecom & military vehicles...
As far as can be traced, she started her life in Britain as a working British Telecom vehicle (so in this case painted just yellow, without the tassles!)
Telecom Bedfords were used for cross-country laying of the phone lines: her distinctive box hatches are for carrying long ladders and crew cab for sheltering engineers for their tea breaks.
It's not surprising Bedford J's have often been used by the military. They are strong and reliable.
My bus-loving friend advised me - "she'll take you round the world several times"
...Driving away to join the circus
She’s had an adventurous life since being Telecom yellow: as travelling home, workshop and studio space, and exhibition and event venue.
By chance I've just discovered her first owners after Telecom - they were part of a group of friends who altogether bought 6 Bedford J-types and set off for a juggling convention in Spain... some of them set up and are still in the circus!
Read more about her restoration
and
past special exhibitions and events 'Roving Studio presents...'