An Aussie Welcome
John Barringer [B] and John Russell [R] struck a common cord over the MG Magnette internet thread site. On discovering John B was coming to Australia and stopping with relatives [Ian and Anne Wild] just around the corner, a BBQ get together was put in place by John and Olivia [R]. This image is the leafy entrance to the Russell's estate in the very pleasant suburb of Montrose.
In this cosy setting
John Russell [extreme right] and Robert Mason warmly greet [from left to right]
Anne Wild, Elizabeth Barringer, John Barringer [white windcheater] and Ian Wild.
John Barringer, our
visitor fron the UK , checks out some photos with Paul Vermont[ left] the
Magnette and Y register captain of the Victorian MG car club.
Once we were all seated
John Russell present John [B] with this memento of his time in Melbourne. To be
signed around the edges by all in attendance; this unique artwork commissioned
specially for our get together depicts three icons special to Melbourne:
[1] Melbourne Luna park, [2]1955 MG ZA Magnette and [3]Metropolitan tram -
usually known as a 'W' class but not a 'Z' class as indicated with artistic
license{ unless Abingdon ??}
Having presented John
and Elizabeth [B] with their poster it came to light John [R]was in possession
of three other pieces of artwork, plus having seen the quality of the previous
artwork we were keen to see more. The poster indicated here is of John Russell's
red ZA in a period setting.It looks good but even better up close.
John Russell is
holding up a picture, I believe he said was of an M Type. Again the period and
naturalness of the setting depicted seems to draw the viewer in. Who is this
artist?
Not on paper this time
but on ceramic is a small fleet of John Russell's most cherished cars.
This one off production was commissioned by Olivia [R]to celebrate John's
recent birthday. Someone's hand is in the way of the date so no calculations can
be made...........
Logo on windcheater as
worn by John Barringer; it seemed subtle and effective in its image and choice
of words. Close-up does not do it justice. John [B] had this custom made - Who
do you think likes the ZA best??
The drive to Montrose
was in limousine comfort for John [B] and Elizabeth. Pictured next to Paul
Vermont's Z type is the beautiful Humber that Ian and Anne Wild used on the day.
Its not enough to be a
Z enthusiast. Only by touching can true joy be found for the man separated from
his ZA. Also could Ian 'our Humber man' be becoming infected!
In the foreground is
our mild mannered but extremely talented artist, Len Dawson. He is the man
behind the poster/plate artwork. Back ground shows a very cohesive group of
enthusiasts: [from Left to Right] Daniel Levy {owner of black ZA}, Rob Mason,
John Barringer and Paul Vermont. It was a great day and no small thanks to
John and Olivia for their planning, work and great company. We all enjoyed the
company of John and Elizabeth [B]; and Ian and Anne [W].
All the best from Loz [Laurence] Scott
