Engineers

The Craft of Restoring Classic Cars

Engineers is a series of portraits of specialist mechanics, painters, craftsmen and craftswomen restoring classic cars in the Cotswolds.

Often tucked away in old mills and barns, their workshops are founded on a passion for traditional engineering and the preservation of classic cars.

The idea for this project was sparked off by my friend Mark Amis. A sign painter by trade, he mentioned that he’d just started working on a vintage French car, a 1903 Panhard et Levassor. Having no idea what he was talking about, I agreed to meet him to take some pictures. During our session, he explained how there is a world of enthusiasts and specialists dotted around the UK, all working on similar projects.

Mark introduced me to Rebel. Rebel is one of the only women working in this traditionally male dominated industry. She learned her job as a white metaller as an apprentice, learning from previous generations. White metalling is a specialist skill only a few know how to do. Working with molten metals, Rebel replaces the worn coatings on various engine components.

At Jarrot Engines have their workshop in a remote converted Victorian pumping station. Here, classic Bugattis are created from meticulously crafted ash and aluminium. Unique components are hand-made from original drawings. Robin, Alan and Bryan are all well into retirement age but they are unlikely to stop using their rare skills any time soon. Their project to rebuild a Bugatti Type 46 takes years to complete.

The workbench of Jeff Hester in South Cerney is an accumulation of a lifetime of motor engineering. Manuals and references from long before the invention of microprocessors line his shelves. His colleague Phil has an equally impressive collection of classic machinery and tools to rebore engines and polish valves.

Across the yard at AKVR, a Bentley Continental is prepared for a respray by painter Mark. The work requires perfect light to show up all the bumps and scratches. The light is also perfect for taking pictures.

Some cars take much longer to finish. Proud owner of two 1964 Aston Martin DB5s is Graham Millard. The demands of his clients million pound Rolls Royces means that his own cars will have to wait. For now, they remain without engines.

In a 17th century mill in the town of Nailsworth, Terry and Jack specialise in vintage Morgans. Their workshop consisting of a collection of components and parts in the process of repair. Boxes and drawers with faint labels hold nuts, bolts and drive shafts. It is a confusing jumble of bits which adds to the atmosphere.

All of the images in this project were shot using available light. Fluorescent tubes and bare lightbulb with the occasional daylight window give a natural feel to the look of the images. Low light means that these portraits had to be posed and composition required careful framing to show off the surrounding detail.

The square format used for this project is my preference. It lends itself so well to the subject. I find it uniquely balances the images and draws the focus of attention to the centre and the subject.

Converting the images to black and white was an important decision to make and further enhanced the detail and texture. There is little colour in a mechanic’s workshop and removing it only improved it. Black and white works so well with portraits as it does really help to focus attention away from any distracting colours and emphasises character.

With portraits I’ve created for commercial and corporate commissions, converting to black and white is often a design decision based on branding and style.

Call 07836 571145 or email alex@caminada.co.uk to find out more.