Les machines de rêve qui ont attiré mon attention

[Guest post by Joe Bean in Leeds, UK] Beautiful summer sunshine and some famous names – BSA, Norton, Harley Davidson, Vespa, Lambretta and Elvis. That’s right – white jumpsuit, flared legs ‘70s Elvis was there to entertain the crowds. Tempting as it was to sketch him in action, it was ‘the kings of the road’, not ‘the King,’ that had brought me to the Fourth Annual Sowerby Bridge Classic Bike and Scooter Show. 

It was my first visit to this popular event organised by the Sowerby Bridge Rotary Club. The vehicles on display were amazing, a true testament to the hard work and dedication of their owners. I could have spent days there sketching, but as the event only lasts a matter of hours, I had to be selective.

These three dream machines caught my eye: 

The first is an NSU (the German Lambretta), which I spotted in the car park. Its owner gave me the lowdown on its history and the work he’d carried out. 

The second was this fab 1952 BSA Bantam in army green, with basket. Its proud owner won a prize which, luckily, he was still there to receive at the end of the day. The announcer said this was due to someone (me!) sketching the bike, so he couldn’t leave.

The third sketch was of this unusual Heinkel Tourer which won two prizes for its owner Alan.

Overall, it was a great day sketching some amazing bikes and scooters – not always easy in a crowded and confined space. I’m definitely putting this event in my calendar for next year.

Joe Bean is a graphic designer and illustrator from Leeds, England. He is a member of Urban Sketchers Yorkshire as well as groups in Manchester and London. See more of his work on his website, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram ou Flickr.