Every year on 16th June, it's worth taking a moment to remember Robert Bamford, one of the men who helped start the story of Aston Martin.
Born in 1883 and educated at Sherborne School in Dorset, Robert Bamford developed a passion for engineering and cycling from an early age. It was through cycling that he met Lionel Martin and their joint involvement with the Bath Road Club, one of the oldest cycling organisations in Britain. The two quickly became friends, and their shared enthusiasm for competition and motor vehicles, would eventually lead to something much bigger!
In 1913, they founded Bamford & Martin Ltd. in West London. At first, the business focused on selling and servicing Singer cars, but the pair soon set their sights on building a car of their own. It was a bold ambition at a time when the motor industry was still in its infancy, but both men believed they could create something special.
Working alongside engineer Jack Addis, they created their first car in 1915, a machine that would later become known as the famous "Coal Scuttle". Addis not only helped build the car but also raced it, helping to establish the sporting spirit that would become such an important part of Aston Martin's identity in the years ahead.
Like so many stories of the time, the First World War interrupted progress. Both Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin contributed to the war effort, and development of the young company was put on hold just as it was beginning to find its feet.
When peace returned, circumstances had changed and Robert Bamford eventually left the business in 1920. Although his time with the company was relatively short, his contribution was lasting. More than a century later, Aston Martin remains one of Britain's most celebrated automotive names, and it all began with a friendship between two keen cyclists who shared a dream of building something special.
Clare Hirst – Collections Manager
Picture of Robert Bamford in the uniform of a Lieutenant circa 1913-1915. Image courtesy of the Bath Road Club.
