Industrial design(s) - # 180

Staying with the "coal lady's" barge at Brentford Dock, here's a detail of the pretty traditional designs found on the English canal "narrow boat". Click to enlarge the picuture, and appreciate the work and care that went into the designs.

Almost totally independent - almost - # 130

Now here's a thing! 3 typical English "narrow boats" built for the narrow gauge of our old canal transport system. They've been converted to permanent, mobile homes. Zoom in and look closely: photo voltaic cells for electric power on the roof, and through the rear doors you can see some pretty fancy power switching gear; a television aerial so no luxury is missing, regardless of where you are moored. Admire the gardens and look closely at the old boot acting as a flower pot. Of course, bikes are there. A handyman carrying his skills with him can travel all over the country and find a good living. On the other hand, they might be slick London media types hooked up to broadband and "working from home" - Who knows?