Winchester Caravans, originally known as Bertram Hutchings Caravans Ltd, has left an indelible mark on the caravan industry.
Celebrated as the “Rolls-Royce of caravans,” the company’s legacy is being honored by the Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection, hosted at the National Motor Museum. This summer, a series of activities and exhibitions will be held to commemorate the company’s contributions to the industry.
Located on Stockbridge Road, Winchester Caravans has a rich history that spans five decades and two world wars. The company was one of the few that successfully produced a range of horse-drawn, motor, and traveler caravans.
This achievement underscores the company’s innovative spirit and commitment to quality, which have been instrumental in shaping the caravan industry, as reported by Hampshire Chronicle.
In 2015, a significant collection of photographs, ephemera, and journals related to Winchester Caravans was donated to the Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection. This collection has since been digitized, cataloged, and researched in detail by a team of volunteers at the National Motor Museum.
The project, supported by a grant from the Hampshire Archives Trust, marks the first time that such a comprehensive collection of materials related to Winchester Caravans will be shared publicly.
Angela Willis, the senior curator of the Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection, expressed her delight at the arrival of Bertram Hutchings’ collection at the Museum.
She noted that it was unusual for such a stunning visual record of a caravan business to have been created and to have survived to this day. The collection serves as a testament to the company’s impact on leisure travel.
The exhibition, titled “Homes on Wheels – The Story of Winchester Caravans,” will be on display at the Hampshire Record Office from July 4 to August 31. Angela Willis will also deliver a talk on the history of the caravan holiday in Hampshire at the Record Office on Monday, August 7. Prior to the talk, visitors will have the opportunity to view the exhibition.
Winchester Caravans’ legacy extends beyond its innovative products. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has set a high standard for the industry. The upcoming exhibition and activities are not just a celebration of the company’s past, but also a recognition of its enduring influence on the caravan industry.
The story of Winchester Caravans serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and preserving outdoor recreation and hospitality facilities. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations remain connected with the outdoors and continue to enjoy the benefits of caravan travel.
Winchester Caravans’ legacy is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and the promotion of outdoor leisure activities. The upcoming exhibition and activities will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the company’s contributions to the caravan industry and its impact on leisure travel.
For more information about Winchester Caravans and to book tickets for the talk, visit the National Motor Museum website.
Featured image from National Motor Museum.