Although the German motoring-artist Bernd Reuters had been company-designer of Volkswagen from 1946 until 1958, little was known about his earlier life and work. The only insight into this period was an interview he gave to a Swiss magazine in 1951. His first illustrations date from 1927 and his later work can be found in catalogues of Adler, Brennabor, Horch, Wanderer and many other German makes. Reuters told the interviewer that during the 1930s he had also made automobile-illustrations for the British market. He did not quite remember the makes, but mentioned “Amstrong Sidenlie, Rols Royce and Woelslie”. He made these paintings without him ever having been abroad. There’s also a Morris advert that has Reuters’ signature in mirror writing, which means the whole image is a reflection to get the steering wheel on the right side. Working in his studio in Berlin he must have forgotten that in the UK traffic runs on the other side of the street.

images courtesy Henk Schuuring

April 27, 2008