Gwenda Hawkes Stewart early female motorcycle racing driver photo photograph

Description

A superb and rare photo of Gwenda Hawkes.
Gwenda Hawkes
(previously
Gwenda Stewart
and prior to that
Gwenda Janson
, born
Gwenda Mary Glubb
in 1894 in Preston, England – died 27 May 1990) was notable as an ambulance driver in World War I and later as a motor racing driver and speed record holder.
Following her marriage to Colonel Sam Janson, a director of the Spyker car company, on 17 February 1920 in Brompton, Hawkes became interested in motor-cycle racing, competing in events at Brooklands.
In the winter of 1921, Hawkes established the 1000-mile record on a Ner-A-Car motor-cycle and in 1922 took the Double-12-hour record at Brooklands on a Trump-JAP.
Hawkes spent time away from home whilst participating in motor-cycling events, and the close relationship that she developed with Colonel Neil Stewart, who was involved with the company who provided her motor-cycles, resulted in Janson divorcing her in 1923.
Hawkes and Stewart married, and, as a result of night-time restrictions on the use of the circuit at Brooklands interfering with Hawkes' motor-cycle record breaking activities, the pair moved to France to be closer to the unrestricted circuit at Montlhéry. At the Montlhéry circuit, Hawkes broke the world 24-hour motor-cycle speed record on a Terrot-JAP.
At Montlhéry, Gwenda met Douglas Hawkes, who became one of her mechanics.
In 1930, Hawkes turned in a speed of 113 mph (182 km/h) in a race-tuned Morgan Motor Company V-Twin three-wheelers.
This is a very nice and very rare
non period
photo that reflects a wonderful era of motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 11" (ca. 20 x 28 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.