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Early Motoring (Circa: 1887)   Early motoring in Britain was not welcomed by the majority. It was available only to a wealthy elite whose often arrogant attitude led to resentment and fear, and regulation to control the speed and use of the motor car. Consequently, these early regulations caused British motoring and fuel distribution to develop much more slowly than in the USA.   AA s first Roadside Filling Station in 1920 (Circa: 1920) The UK industry was years behind America. Britain did not have its first filling station until the AA began a service to its members in 1919 at Aldermaston in Berkshire. Two Gallon can delivery from Pratts (Circa: 1908)   Petroleum spirit had to be collected from general stores, blacksmiths and chemists, and carried in cars by early motorists. Early bulk deliveries were made by rail and horse and cart!   Early motoring (Circa: 1925) At last in the 1920s, motoring for the masses started to arrive. Victory Barrel Pump ROP Colours (Circa: 1904)   Petroleum spirit, which was origionally used for lighting, was first distributed in 2 gallon cans and bulk barrels. As motor vehicles became more popular so the demand for petrol rapidly increased. Cans were both awkward and dangerous. Retailers and individual motorists wanted bulk storage and an easy, safe method of refilling their vehicles.   Early Gilbert and Barker Skeleton Pump (Circa: 1910) Underground steel tanks were popular both from safety and convenience considerations. The early pumps were purely functional in design - little more than a progression from a water pump. Early G/B Pump (Circa: 1915)   Early "skeleton" pumps made refueling much safer, without the need to fill from cans via a funnel into hot motor vehicles (probably whilst the owner sat smoking his cigar)!!   Gilbert and Barker Model T 8 Pump in Pratts Colours (Circa: 1915) Skeleton pumps soon became beacons to passing motorists to indicate the availability of petroleum spirit. Pumps were often over 8 feet (2.4 metres)tall with glass cylinders topped with illuminated glass globes. Visible Pump ( Australian) Old Shell Colours (Circa: 1920)   Early petrol pumps were made using cast iron, brass, copper and glass. Surrounding these pumps were brightly coloured enamel signs advertising the multiple brands of petrol and oil sold, along with other services offered.   Brightly painted early pumps. (Circa: 1930`s) It was the retailers objective to stand out and be recognised, which must have been quite a sight in a comparatively dull enviroment of the 1920s and 30s.

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