The history of Royal Enfield and its tireless model, the Bulletis marked by two very well-defined periods. The first of them is the one that frames the time space that goes from 1901, the year in which Albert Eadie and Robert Walker Smith founded the brand, until 1967, when the British firm stopped manufacturing in its country of origin. Subsequently, the company’s production would be developed exclusively in India.
From this early stage, we will always remember the factory where Royal Enfield developed its activity, located in the Hunt End district of Redditch. The first Bullet in history was created there in 1931, although later the manufacture of the model would be moved to the brand’s new facilities in India in collaboration with Madras Motors.
“Redditch Bullet”: A well-deserved tribute to the brand and its origins
As a result of this exciting and long history, a sculpture made with elements of an original Bullet from the 1950s has just been inaugurated, the work of “Prashant Kumar, an Indian upcycling artist, and Ben Reid-Howells, a Canadian-Scottish educator and community organizer.”as explained by local media Redditch Advertiser.
This adventure began in 2017, when the two created the Vasudhaiva Ride project. A three-year planned trip, starting from India on the backs of Bullets, they have crossed Nepal, China, Central Asia and Europe before arriving in Redditch to create this sculpture.
Joe Baker, Mayor of Redditch Council, comments: “I own two bikes so as an enthusiast I am absolutely delighted that our links with Royal Enfield are recognised”. For her part, Juliet Barker-Smith, Councillor for Culture, said: “The installation looks fantastic and celebrates the heritage between the Council, the district and Royal Enfield.”
Continued: “Together with our partners Rubicon and Royal Enfield we will be celebrating these ties further with an event next month to which everyone is invited. In the meantime, I look forward to hearing stories and memories from our residents for whom Royal Enfield was an important part of their lives.”
Finally, Stephen Cain, European PR Director for Royal Enfield, said: “At Royal Enfield we are passionate about engaging with the local Redditch community and celebrating the historic links with the town.”
