You are looking at the new painting of internationally acclaimed artist David Uhl. Because David paints motorcycle stories, I am sure you will enjoy reading what he wrote to me about The Legend Of Bob Perry.
"The task of depicting an Excelsior involved deviating from my usual subject of early Harley-Davidson motorcycles. After reviewing much of the Excelsior-Henderson history, I found a remarkable story which would continue to haunt me until it showed up on canvas. Bob Perry was known as one of the hottest racers of his time. He was not only an accomplished competitor, but a well liked figure in the industry. Known to his peers as "the student" he had a specific style which he manifested in his racing career (symbolized with the book). I was compelled to pose him next to the motorcycle that ultimately led to his demise, a special OHC machine which was designed to put the Excelsior team back on top. On a qualifying run in at the Ascot track in 1920 , Bob pushed the thoroughbred Excelsior into a turn faster than any other bike on record. He did not survive the lap to tell about it . During his years with the company, he had grown very close to the Schwinn family ,and upon hearing the news of Perry’s death, Ignaz Schwinn, in agony, was reported to have taken a sledge hammer to a racing bike at the Excelsior shop. Even though Perry disliked the board track, I chose to put the scene couched in front of the Newark track, which was known for an accident so catastrophic that the sport would not survive through the 20s. This piece of art speaks to these type of events, the advancing technology, and some fearless jockeys pushing the limits of their machines to ultimately steer the sport of motorcycle racing in a new direction" David Uhl.
I love b & w photos and paintings depicting motorcycle history. Beautiful.
Long Live The X
Superb rendition by a master. David Uhl should not limit his work to Harley. What about Triumph, BSA, Norton, etc.
It is stories like this of Bob Perry that fuel me. The passion these guys had, and can you imagine living back then, watching these guys race on the board tracks? There are so many amazing individual stories during the board track racing days. Great job David.
Cyril, please mention that in addition to a master painter, Uhl is also generous. He is donating this paiting for charity, to be auction at the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours on May 5th.
I have a couple of Race Medals won by Bob Perry,….he was one of the great ones!