Every once in awhile, Itreat myself to apicture for the wall of my barn, if Ican getitpast the all-seeing eyeofʻThe Mrsʼ. My mostrecentpurchasewas ashot ofSir William Lyons with apre-production S1 XJ6, which was signed off on the basis thatitwas abirthday present to myself. Usually, Isend adigital image to Steve Masters in Swindon: period photos (Brigitte Bardot with aLancia Flavia Vignale,say)orascanfroma brochure on the basis that, if Icanʼt own aRiley 2.6, Ican at least have the catalogueartwork on my wall –which Isuspect gives me90% of the pleasure that the actual car would.
Generally, itʼs acase of the bigger the better –theyvaryinsize according to the quality of the original image –although Steve isbecoming increasingly amused by how small avehicle Itry to takehis handiwork away in; the last time Idrove back toCirencester almost lying down. But itʼs all worth the effort because this wall art gives effective coverage for amodest outlay. Being intended for outside use it is also pretty durable, if you donʼt moveitaround too much –whichIinevitably do.The troubleis, every time anew image turns up the feng shui is upset. This sets off adomino effect that causes me to rejig the existing layout, which isfine as long as Ihave someone around to help. Being keen on your own company isa gooddiscipline ifyou are awriter,not so good if you suddenly fancy wobbling around on ladders in abarn inthe middle of nowhere. So, when Irun out ofhands trying takedown or re-hang one of my boards (some more than 6ft long),accidents ensue.