Buses from Britain; London Transport Red Bus goodwill tour of the United States of America, 1952 - brochure designed by Rowland Emett - three real buses
It is difficult in a way to describe or encapsulate Rowland Emett's work! Emett (1906 - 1990) was foremost a cartoonist and illustrator but he also designed whimsical kinetic scultures and models based on his drawings, several of which were for commercial or advertising projects. Transport, such as steam trains and trams were close to Emett's heart and much of his work and this 1952 brochure, by the British Travel Association, plays on his sense of fancy to the greatest extent!
The event featured three typical London red Central Area buses making their way in a 'caravan' across the US and back, along with 'authentic Cockney conductors' and a team of mechanics and engineers to make sure the vehicles did their duty. The brochure shows a vivid description of the buses and crews, a map of the journey with the major stops and an exhortation to "visit Britain", the latetr being the main reason for the trip. The buses were associated with displays of the charms of the UK and associated literature.
The three buses were two AEC built RT-types, RT 2775 (LYR 826) and RT 2776 (LYR 827) along with a Leyland RTL-type RTL 1307 (LYR 395), all three new in 1952. They were shipped aboard SS Parthia and on arrival were given New York registrations (NY53.114 - 116) and the whole affair was such a success the tour was extended to include various Canadian cities.
Back in the UK the buses went into normal passenger service having been where necessary re-fitted and they received, from memory, commemorative plaques on the interior of the vehicles as one plate survives in the LTM Collection. Indeed, one bus survives in preservation, RT 2775, the other two having been sold to Ceylon (RT 1307) and RT 2776 being scrapped in 1976.
Buses from Britain; London Transport Red Bus goodwill tour of the United States of America, 1952 - brochure designed by Rowland Emett - three real buses
It is difficult in a way to describe or encapsulate Rowland Emett's work! Emett (1906 - 1990) was foremost a cartoonist and illustrator but he also designed whimsical kinetic scultures and models based on his drawings, several of which were for commercial or advertising projects. Transport, such as steam trains and trams were close to Emett's heart and much of his work and this 1952 brochure, by the British Travel Association, plays on his sense of fancy to the greatest extent!
The event featured three typical London red Central Area buses making their way in a 'caravan' across the US and back, along with 'authentic Cockney conductors' and a team of mechanics and engineers to make sure the vehicles did their duty. The brochure shows a vivid description of the buses and crews, a map of the journey with the major stops and an exhortation to "visit Britain", the latetr being the main reason for the trip. The buses were associated with displays of the charms of the UK and associated literature.
The three buses were two AEC built RT-types, RT 2775 (LYR 826) and RT 2776 (LYR 827) along with a Leyland RTL-type RTL 1307 (LYR 395), all three new in 1952. They were shipped aboard SS Parthia and on arrival were given New York registrations (NY53.114 - 116) and the whole affair was such a success the tour was extended to include various Canadian cities.
Back in the UK the buses went into normal passenger service having been where necessary re-fitted and they received, from memory, commemorative plaques on the interior of the vehicles as one plate survives in the LTM Collection. Indeed, one bus survives in preservation, RT 2775, the other two having been sold to Ceylon (RT 1307) and RT 2776 being scrapped in 1976.