1966 GILERA GIUBILEO 5V 124cc

Moto Gilera S.p.A. is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world established in 1909 in the small village of Arcore, Italy by a then 22 year-old Giuseppe Gilera.  Gilera from its start made a wide range of motorcycles and was heavily involved in international racing right up into the 1990’s.  Just prior to the Second World War, Gilera fielded one of the most advanced race bikes at that time; a four-cylinder, double overhead camshaft, water-cooled and supercharged racer that made an incredible 90 horsepower from just 250cc displacement.  In the 1930’s most motorcycles, even premium race bikes, had conventional push-rod engines that were air-cooled, normally aspirated with only one or two cylinders; they usually made their power through much larger engine displacements (1000cc).

I acquired this particular Gilera 10 years ago from a fellow enthusiast who had come to look at a Lancia Beta coupe that I had for sale.  He didn’t buy the car, but I ended up adding this Gilera to my collection.  It’s a 1966 Gilera Giubileo 5V with a single cylinder (of 124 cc displacement), overhead valve engine and five-speed transmission (quite unusual for the time).  The motor produces only 10.5 horsepower but because of its light weight (93 kg) had a top speed of just over 120 kph.  The Gilera model  101 (it’s official model number) was made in a full range of styles from touring to off-road specials; the Gilera featured here (a 5V) was the sport model of the range with its clip-on handlebars and bum-stop seat.  This Gilera has never been restored or even seen any major cosmetic or mechanical work; it has all its original parts right down to the battery.

When this Gilera was manufactured, smaller displacement motorcycles were very popular around the globe; even Honda, one of the world’s most successful manufacturers, largest bike was only 350cc in size.  Unfortunately, Gileras were never officially imported into Canada (except for a brief attempt by Sears to bring some badge-engineered models in the late 1960’s).  If a rider wanted one, they would’ve needed to find a motorcycle shop owner who’d be willing to import one specifically for them.
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Text by William Yasui

 

 

SOJOURNER TRUTH PARSONS

Perhaps it is Sojourner Truth Parsons' unique manipulation of medium, colour and energy that makes her work so violently carnal, and tangibly ripe with the odour of forgotten magic and ritual.  Using cardboard, paper, wax and glue, Sojourner creates collages, costumes and installations, that are both intensely refined and effortlessly primitive. Her work brings me from the beginning of the universe, to the contemplation of the barbs of a feather, to the liminal spaces between history and make believe.  I crave to decode the spark that fuels these timeless works and follow the talismans to the darkness beyond. 

SPADINA HOUSE PART 2

In Part 1 of our Spadina House series we featured the unfinished 3rd floor.  With an unusually early spring/summer season upon us, we visited the historic gardens at Spadina Museum as the Father Hugo's rose was in full bloom.  This 5.7 acre city  property is decorated with an orchard, grape arbour, greenhouse, kitchen garden, and rambling display beds.  The museum site describes it thus:

Spadina today features more than 300 varieties of plants in an historic setting that is the result of archaeological studies on the grounds and painstaking research through family diaries, old drawings and photographs, journals, letters and stories told by members of the Austin family. Much original plant material can still be seen on the grounds; the magnificent white oaks, for instance, predate the house. Other plants still growing include the lilacs, peonies, daylilies and irises, as well as a rose identified as a Dorothy Perkins: "one of the best of the old ramblers," according to a garden writer of the Edwardian period.

I was told that the grounds have been kept by the same gardener since the 1970s when the Austin family still owned and resided at the estate.  It is undeniable that the property has been cultivated with love.  Taking a walk down winding paths and lounging on the lush lawns you can imagine yourself in a cotton voile gown hoping to hear the hoofstep of an anticipated visitor.  We've saved Part 3 and 4 to shoot later in the season as an excuse to visit the gardens when in full bloom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE JESSE TREE

I first encountered the Jesse Tree in Symbols of the Church by C. E. Whittemore, illustrated by William Duncan.  Jesse was the father of King David and a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ.  The symbol is a beautiful interpretation of the family tree but also brings to mind the circle of nature and how matter cycles through organisms.  

I've been very interested in recent trends towards natural/green burial.  Our bodies are rich in nutrients and energy and by being buried unembalmed in a cotton shroud under a sapling we can provide the food to make that tree grow.  Cobourg Union Cemetery is the only current location in Ontario that allows this kind of internment, hopefully only for the present.  Natural burial has a smaller environmental footprint than cremation and should protect the created green space from future development.

COLUMBUS CALENDER

The  square head robertson screw was patented in 1910 by P.L Robertson in Milton, Canada.  Robertson's refusal to license his screws to any other manufacturer caused this superior design to be usurped by the phillips screw in the U.S. and the hex screw in Europe.  Canadians take great pride in their robertson screws but get into trouble when they bring them abroad - as we learned last year installing an exhibition in Germany.  Luckily the install crew was able to fashion a bit on the fly and we got the crates open.  

I like how the Robertson company chose Columbus as their calendar poster boy; he speaks of untapped potential and constructive adventures.  I hope that the ladies remember to pack a full set of bits...

 

 

 

BLACK RUBBER GLOVES

Working with toxic and caustic chemicals, I should wear gloves more than I do.  I'm hoping these strangely alluring black beauties will inspire me to save my hands and don the gauntlets.  It's like a night out while scrubbing the floor!  I found them at Tap Phong Trading Company on Spadina.  Although these gloves are made offshore, I would rather buy items made in Canada like the wooden scrub brush pictured (available at the Home Hardware on Ossington).  Finish your spring cleaning, summer is here.