UK Vardo Project
Gypsy caravans are known by several names: living vans, caravans, wagons, waggons or vardos (their traditional Romani name). But whatever they’re called, they all developed in the UK from the vans of showmen travelling between circuses and fairs in the 1800s.
Alongside Valleystreams Welsh initiative Romani Cymru, the cultural organisation also developed and sponsors a unique online project - The UK Vardo Project a website dedicated to Gypsy caravans from around the UK. It has fast become the world’s largest website of painted waggons to be assembled in one place with over 250 vardos online, a kaleidoscope of Gypsy waggons and visited by more than 9 million people worldwide. It’s a splendid insight into the creative home of the traveller for over 100 years. Some of their famous owners include Roald Dahl and the Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood.
The Gypsy Waggon website features Eldra the 4C / ValleyStream's new award-winning DVD release promoting British Romani culture world-wide. Winner of 5 BAFTAs Cymru and several international awards, including the Spirit of Moondance Award, USA. Based on the childhood of real-life Romani Eldra Roberts, a descendant of the famous Sharo Rom Abram Wood/Roberts Welsh Gypsy tribe. A poignant story set in the 1930s of a Gypsy girl, her fox and her family’s struggle in the mountains of Snowdonia, North Wales.
The DVD can be bought from the site for £11.99
The Project’s creator, Stef Bate said: “Regardless of the hardship of Romani life, the Rom still surrounded themselves with rich artwork, colour and beauty” and the Vardo was the most prized possession – people have forgotten this. Too many waggons have rotted in Gaje tans (non-Romani gardens), often with little respect these vardos are iconic monuments on wheels to past struggles. “It’s time the rich and beautiful heritage of the British Romani Culture and The Vardo - the traditional home of Romani foki was brought onto the world stage, our Vardos are the finest in the World fit for the Taj Mahal.”
The exteriors of many vans are ornately painted, panelled, gilt-leafed and decorated; whilst their interiors may be frilled, furled and flounced, rich in lace, rubied with cranberry angel lamps, and brilliant with cut glass. Often the vans’ histories are just as colourful as their décor, and they are all as individual as their owners.
The Site is still under development, future webpages will look at interior features, artwork and carvings, carts and drays, and British waggons from the US and Europe.
The team at the UK Vardo Project welcomes all contributions, memories and information relating to travelling waggons.
Romani Cymru
Romany Wales Project
Wales’ first Romani research and archival project has quietly been making important progress as an informative publishing initiative for historical Welsh culture.
