Mark,
Thanks for the info on Ron Cooper. Nothing like working around a bunch of other talented men to teach and inspire someone with a lot of potential. I'm going to keep my eye out for other 60's and 70's Cooper frames. I can hardley wait to get this one roadworthy. I don't know if you guys make a big distinction between English and Scottish frames; but I also have to admit to a trememdous respect for the Flying Scot. Having recently taken my 1958 Scot around the block I have realized that not only is it a marvelous piece of work and nice to look at; it rides like magic. I believe she has wings! Is there any way I can admire both very much without stepping on any toes? God forbid if I were to end up with more classic English (or other) bikes; there may be no end to the list of great vintage bicycles. For the time being I'm happy with my deep respect for these two. Both bikes display an obvious sensitivity to design as well as construction. These are what set bikes apart from one another in my book. Glad I have at least one of each of these classics.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
Dear Brian, That is high praise indeed coming from your self. Ron Cooper
began his apprenticeship at Gillott's in 1947. The frames they were building
at that time were inspired by best continental practice including
mandrelling the lugs to the desired angles. The lugs were made by Vaughans
of Birmingham and were full of hard inclusions. Oscar Egg lugs became
available circa 1949-50. Harry Carrington was the manager who instigated
frame building in May 1945. Jim Collier was the first employee. He had built
for Hobbs of Barbican before the war. Harry was a stickler for detail and
had a keen eye for what was right in a frame. All the employees at Gillott's
were racing men including the one armed Ron Brown. They were all to have a
profound influence on Ron who is still building frames today at the age of
74(?) He was the last builder of true Gillott frames. He was there until
1967 when he moved out of the Southampton road shop to set up on his own in
Honor Oak. I have several late Gillotts and a 1976 Cooper and they are just
lovely. Crisp, elegant, unfussy, just right!
Mark, Dingwall in Scotland.