LETTERS TO OMNIBUS
That REDD Drawing
Bob responds to Bill….
The drawing in question came to me with several others, from the late T W (“Smokey”) Bourne, who had in turn obtained copies of then from a specialist model shop in London. I was not aware at that time, about 1980, of Mr French’s series of Midland Red drawings. Further investigation reveals in the footnote, a somewhat smudgy, indistinct W/F, suggesting that my copy was by no means the first.
Therefore I owe Mr French a somewhat belated acknowledgment, with apologies, for utilising his quite excellent drawing. This situation is something that I myself have had to get used to, over the years. Some of my photos, early ones particularly, have been copied, pirated, included in other peoples’ catalogues, used to illustrate articles, all in flagrant violation of copyright. At one time I made use of a copyright stamp on my prints, but this is no good, for it has top go on the back. The would-be copier is able to ignore any such notice, yet perhaps knowing who was the originator. It is only by close study that you recognise these prints, and drawings, as your own work.
I, too, ask only for acknowledgement. So what’s left for Mr French and myself to do? Of course, we could say: If you can’t fight ‘em, join ‘em, but isn’t this a trifle unprincipled?
Bob Mills,
Birmingham
Editors Note:-
We hope that honour is now satisfied between Bill and Bob. The name and address of the model shop in question has been ‘edited out’ lest there are outstanding issues better pursued privately than in these columns.
On a general note, it is policy to acknowledge the originators of illustrations used in ‘Omnibus’, wherever possible, and to rectify any errors or omissions that might occur
DERBY BUS STATION – AN UPDATE
Readers will recall that I highlighted the proposed redevelopment of Derby Bus Station a little while ago and invited those familiar with the present 1930’s-style structure with its pleasant curves to make representations to the Bus Station Action Group.
The Action Group has amassed no fewer than 14,000 signatures but nevertheless such objections are being ignored by Derby City Council who are pressing ahead with their plans and have granted outline planning permission for a redevelopment of the site which will give Derby a “retail and leisure complex”, no doubt with architecture to match the adjacent monstrosity, the Cock Pit Car Park. Buses and coaches will be relegated to a smaller bus station which will not be able to accommodate anything like the number of buses that the present Bus Station handles and the new facility will also require vehicles to reverse out, usually regarded as more hazardous.
Recent press reports state that the redevelopment is now supported by Brian King of Trent Buses who claims that the curvature of the present Bus Station does not suit modern bus lengths. No doubt he wasn’t around in the early-60’s when Trent and others started operating 36’ Leopards and Reliances regularly in to the Bus Station without any problem.
The redevelopment is scheduled to commence early next year and so there are only a few months left for anyone who wishes to photograph buses in this “real” environment to do so. When the demolition starts it will be a sad day not only for enthusiasts but also for democracy.
John Bowden,
Derby
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