Renewed enthusiasm

Tues 13.05.08. Jo had transported all the swag up to Westmead for Chris’s approval during the morning. I had been summoned to drive for Bradburn so I was unable to deliver the goods personally. In some senses this did free me from potential criticism but also the endless examination together with a thorough inspection of every item. The components passed with flying colours. Chris has always been impressed by Richie’s work so it was understandable that there would not be a problem with the dashboard and other trims. So too the leather bound tunnels and door panels received the seal of approval: Michaels work being surprisingly admired. Even the Moroso, Stanpart radiator filler cap ensemble was a ‘fine piece of craftsmanship’. Jo returned with the exceptionally good news that Chris was overjoyed with all of the parts.

Later in the Oak he repeated his rediscovered energy in addition to a renewed appetite for the project. He had been assembling the parts both painstakingly and carefully for the rest of the day, raising his demeanour after every delightful new fitting. He was back exhibiting the same childlike enthusiasm he had demonstrated in the past. I had not seen this impulsive, impetuous emotion for several months; it was a welcome return to the Chris of old, even more so because the finishing post is in sight.

Skimming through the journal I realised that the initial design of the dashboard had originated around the September of 2006. Similarly, the rough drafts for the tunnels and door panel began around the same time. This has reinforced the belief that the ‘design process’ should never be underestimated both in terms of the timescale but also in complexity. The endless prototypes once filled my cellar; conjured from cardboard, Daler board, plywood, MDF, PVA, paper and filler. Multi techniques have been applied, cutting, sanding, screwing, gluing, and drilling using saw, router, drill, belt, palm and block sanders. But the tireless search for balance, texture, proportion, harmony, colour and of course complimentary materials has been achieved with infinite success.

Where it has been Marion’s loss it has been my gain. Kitchen versus car, I win.