Work bikes - The bikes of West Dean Gardens

I was on a painting course at the weekend at West Dean College and Gardens. On Sunday we were taken to the walled garden, and green houses where they propagate the plants that go out into the gardens. I saw the baskets first and they are fabulous. The gardeners use them to transports plants to the flower beds. These are the largest bike baskets I have seen. I know historically there were more working bikes but I wonder how many are still around.

Note the small front wheel under the basket which seems to be a similar system to the Brompton which can also carry a large load on the front in a the pannier.

Now if we could just get van drivers to move over to work bikes like these in London again. Bliss.

I am also going to get out my Brompton basket for this Easter weekend. I got mine basket three years ago at Velorution, but you can order them direct from the basket maker, David Hembrow.