Jim and Janet Willis checking their first Patterson book, 1978

I just learned that Jim Willis passed away in November.

The name probably doesn’t mean much to any of you but if you have ever enjoyed the Frank Patterson books that we sell, or any of the fine Frank Patterson artwork, then you have Jim Willis to thank. Many years ago Jim and his wife, Janet, took it upon themselves to keep the Patterson legacy alive. They started publishing the volumes that are our main window on the wonderful pen and ink illustrations that evoke the best of bicycling in the cozy English countryside. For Jim and Janet it was a labor of love.

I never met Jim and Janet. Phone calls and e-mail defined our relationship. Jim always said he wanted to see New Orleans and we shouldn’t be surprised to find them on our doorstep someday. I always meant to make their village of Kenilworth a stop on my next trip to England.

I have a lot of regard for Jim and the life he led with his partner, Janet. (hence this little post) He impressed me as a very genuine person. We had  little actual contact but I will miss him.

Tags: patterson

There seems to be an opportunity for the fans of Brooks saddles and white bike gear to buy the beautiful white Swallow saddle that was presented to top dealers at this year’s trade shows.

Stussy Japan has a special version of the Brooks white Swallow saddle available.

To show how rare these white Swallow Classic saddles are we quote from the Brooks Dealers of Excellence page:

We are honoured to present to you the first White Swallow. This is a limited edition of 50 pieces, which will not be for sale. This exclusive product is dedicated to our best partners; those dealers who not only sell Brooks Saddles, but who are deeply in love with them also.

The Stussy Swallow boasts design by The Wilson Brothers. In addition to the carton graphics there is a special Wilson Brothers white leather key fob in the same lettered bird design.

This is a limited edition of 150 copies. If you want one it is probably best not to linger. They are listed at 39,900 yen.

(I used to be fascinated by the psychedelic lettering style that the Wilson bros. use. I would spend hours making my own version of the Winterland and Family Dog posters. When the first Thirteenth Floor Elevator album came out I was inspired to paint the ceiling of my room in a similar mode. Maybe it is coming around again. I could re-do all the Wallingford graphics in lovely flowing type.)

Both the Wilson Bros. and the Stussy links have a good picture set from the Brooks factory.

Tags: collectors item, white swallow

I picked a new term today from the blog BYKYAK. ‘Era-crafting refers to “design that features artisinal craftsmanship, high-quaility materials, and a vision for the traditional.”

Bykyak is the musings of Mark Manson. Mark builds classy custom bikes and was one of the top bike guys at Bayou Bicycles, one of the top bike shops here in New Orleans. Katrina changed all that and now Mark and his family have made a place for themselves in the Dallas area. (Bayou Bicycles has just recently re-opened in a new space.)

Bykyak is another good coinage. Mark explains in his first post.

Tags: blogs, words

A guy named Brooks sent us a picture of his new tattoo. Brooks says “it’s from the 1923 catalogue, as found on the Brooks site.”
full picture

Tags: Brooks, tattoo

Brooks steel-frame tensioning nut: 1/4 Whitworth
Brooks standard spring bolt: 10mm

more to come

Tags: nut, reference

It’s in a bike factory. .