The gypsy cart and caravan pulled by the gypsy horse was in reality the gypsy home. These gypsy carts were popular more than 150 years ago and basically contained the gypsy families’ possessions. The cart was not used as a house, but rather a means to transport the family goods. A tent called a bender provided sleeping arrangements. These benders were made out of hazeltwigs covered by canvas. If the family lacked a bender or tent the family would utilize the tilt of the cart (the cover of the cart). This cover of the cart would provide shelter from rain or snow. The gypsy cart covered by canvas or wood was called a vardo. The word vardo came from the Iranian word “Vurdon.” The carts or wagons in reality were a covered wagon, canvas or wood, that was uniquely decorated and fitted for comfort. The vardos did not become popular until the last 100 years. They became extremely popular in France for the family home. Gypsy showmen traveling between fairs and circuses in the 1800’s in England were the first ones to use the vardo.
The interesting thing is that these carts and vardos were rarely built by gypsies but rather by non-gypsy coach and wagon builders. Building the vardo generally took between 6 to 12 months and used wood of oak, ash, elm, walnut, and pine. They were ornately painted, decorated with carvings, and often enriched with gold leaf.
The Vardo can be divided into six main types:
They were the Brush, Reading, Pedge, Bow Top, Open Lot, and Burton. Their names came from the particular homeowners, style, and the towns whose builders were noted for making them. The most popular one seen today in Europe and a few imported to the U. S.A. is the Bow top.
Eventually, several factors contributed to a decline in the number of gypsy carts and vardos being built. The factors contributing to their decline were the dominance of the automobile, the growth of communication and cinema. These factors resulted in fewer large fairs and circuses and caused the migration of the gypsy family into permanent dwellings. By the end of WWII and the 1950’s, most of the cart and wagon builders had died out.
Today, often working to original plans a new generation of wagon and cart builders and painters are up and coming. These builders and painters are attempting to replicate the craftsmanship and construction of the past masters. At the present time there is a revival taking pace in the U.K. and Europe but at present there is no known interest in the U.S.A. It is indeed a challenge today for anyone trying to build a new cart or wagon to get it right, especially using modern timbers which rarely have the robust character of yesteryear’s seasoned wood.
Fortunately there still exists in this country craftsman, woodworkers, and wagon builders that still possess the lost craftsmanship needed to duplicate these ornate wagons. These craftsmen exist in the community of the Amish. The Amish craftsman above all has an understanding of the value of old time craftsmanship.
