Discover the fascinating history of one of Bristol's most recognisable symbols in The Bristol Scroll: Its Origins and Evolution by Martin Curtis.
Explore more than a century of Bristol's aviation and transport heritage with this beautifully illustrated history book, tracing the origins and development of the famous Bristol Scroll.
Published to commemorate 100 years since the symbol first appeared in 1911, this fascinating book reveals how the Bristol Scroll became an enduring part of the city's industrial identity, appearing on everything from aircraft and buses to commercial vehicles, boats and even prefabricated houses.
Featuring historical photographs, rare archival images and engaging insights, The Bristol Scroll offers a unique perspective on the companies and industries that helped shape Bristol's history.
The story behind an iconic Bristol symbol
The Bristol Scroll first appeared in 1911 with the British & Colonial Aeroplane Company, which later became the Bristol Aeroplane Company and eventually formed part of the British Aircraft Corporation.
Over the following decades, the distinctive design became closely associated with several of Bristol's most important transport organisations.
The book explores its use across:
- Bristol Aeroplane Company – tracing the symbol's connection to the city's pioneering aircraft manufacturing industry.
- Bristol Tramways Company – where the scroll appeared on engines and vehicles.
- Bristol Omnibus Company – which adopted the scroll as its well-known fleet name from 1965.
- Other Bristol industries – including cars, lorries, boats and even prefabricated houses during the 1940s.
Through these fascinating connections, the book reveals how one distinctive design became a lasting symbol of Bristol's engineering and transport heritage.
A richly illustrated journey through Bristol's history
Featuring a selection of colour photographs alongside approximately 100 black-and-white images, many previously unpublished, The Bristol Scroll brings the city's remarkable industrial past to life.
From pioneering aircraft manufacturing to the development of Bristol's transport networks, this engaging publication celebrates the businesses, vehicles and people associated with one of the city's most enduring visual identities.
Product details:
- Title: The Bristol Scroll: Its Origins and Evolution
- Author: Martin Curtis
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 72
- Publication year: 2011
- Publisher: Millstream Books
- ISBN: 9780948975950
- Features colour and black-and-white historical photographs
- Explores the Bristol Scroll's use across aviation, buses and other transport industries
A fascinating gift for Bristol history enthusiasts
Whether you're passionate about aviation history, interested in historic buses and transport or simply fascinated by Bristol's industrial heritage, this illustrated book makes a wonderful addition to any collection.
Perfect for local historians, transport enthusiasts and anyone with a connection to Bristol, The Bristol Scroll also makes a thoughtful gift or keepsake from a visit to Aerospace Bristol.
Discover more aviation history books, Bristol-inspired gifts and heritage publications at Aerospace Bristol.